Supporting Research

Scotland operates a centralised system to support clinical research in Scotland and improve quality, efficiency and co-ordination. Working on a pan-Scotland basis a responsive infrastructure has been implemented to encourage researchers to bring studies to Scotland and ensure that obtaining R&D permission is a smooth and rapid process. This centralised system offers several advantages:

Single submission of documents
Co-ordinated access to clinical investigators and patients
Co-ordinated contract and budget review
Co-ordinated study-level pharmacy review
Model clinical trial agreements
Single costing for all studies using NIHR costing tool to reflect protocol requirements
Centralised project co-ordination
Efficient and prompt approval for study start up
National oversight via clinical networks
Performance management
Strong communication.

Scotland is also supporting a new programme of work to ensure compatible and consistent ways of working across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland further developing the UK as a cohesive and streamlined place to undertake research within the global economy.