The National Institute for Health Research Systems
To help create a vibrant and efficient research environment in England, we are streamlining the procedures underpinning research. The NIHR is doing this through:
- world class research networks; and
- action to simplify processes and save time.
The Government has announced that it will set up a Health Research Authority in 2011. The new Authority will combine and streamline the approvals for health research which are at present scattered across many organisations.
The NIHR has adopted the Research Support Services, a framework of good practice and standard procedures for local research management.
The NIHR is also developing systems to harmonise and simplify approvals and permissions, and working towards a unified knowledge management systems for the NIHR and its partners.
Key points include:
- wherever possible, researchers will complete procedures and input data once for multiple uses
- researchers have free access to expert advice and information about regulatory approvals, permissions and good practice
- systems and partnership are being strengthened to make the outcomes of research widely known, to improve health and the delivery of services
All organisations in England that provide care, fund research, employ researchers or review or regulate research will be eligible to use the new systems.
The service is also available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the context of UK-wide partnerships with England in health research and development.
The NIHR is simplifying and streamlining the processes that can delay research through two major work streams: