Integrated Research Intelligence System (including CPMS / LPMS)

  • Published: 28 May 2019
  • Version: Vv2 - August 2023
  • 3 min read

The NIHR’s Integrated Research Intelligence System (IRIS) is a suite of digitally connected systems that provide access to NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) services and record essential information about studies for the purpose of supporting research delivery, continuous improvement and performance management.

It consists of a number of cloud based systems, which are interconnected, enabling research data to be shared between systems through an automated process.

The IRIS improves data quality by reducing the amount of manual data entry required within the different information systems. It also reduces cross-checking of information and prevents data discrepancies from occurring.

Through the IRIS, we can access information around the life-cycle of studies, which enables greater insight and the delivery of more effective support, both locally and nationally, for clinical research in the NHS, public health and social care.

Our Integrated Research Intelligence System comprises:

The Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS)

The Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) holds the NIHR CRN Portfolio, as well as the network portfolios of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. CPMS is used by the CRN to support study record management and performance monitoring.

CPMS is also the portal though which commercial partners submit CRN feasibility service requests and access the interactive Costing Tool. Non-commercial researchers use CPMS to access the online Schedule of Events Costing and Attribution Tool (SoECAT) and, where applicable, apply for NIHR CRN support through the Non-commercial Portfolio Application service

Find out how to get started and log in to CPMS here. CPMS user guides are available through NIHR Learn.

Local Portfolio Management Systems (LPMS)

Local Portfolio Management Systems (LPMSs) are used by Local Clinical Research Networks (LCRNs) and their Partner Organisations to manage local research delivery and associated processes. A number of data items are shared between LPMS and CPMS through a digital interface.

Many LPMSs are used by the LCRNs. These are:

Integrated Research Application System (IRAS)

The Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) is a single system for applying for the permissions and approvals for health, social and community care research in the UK, owned by the Health Research Authority (HRA). Through the interface between CPMS and IRAS, and working in close partnership with the HRA, NIHR is able to receive essential study information to support delivery of NIHR processes.

ISRCTN Registry

The interface between CPMS and the ISRCTN Registry enables the automated registration of non-commercial studies with ISRCTN. This registration provides the unique identification number necessary for the future publication of clinical trials and other studies. Read more about registering with ISRCTN through CPMS.

The NIHR Open Data Platform

The NIHR Open Data Platform (ODP) is the NIHR’s platform to bring together research data and display it as research intelligence.

There are two different ways to access data about NIHR CRN Portfolio studies.

NIHR Open Data Platform (ODP) requires users to register for an account, or connect an NIHR account. It consists of different dashboards that allow users to interact with high level or granular information to suit their analytical and reporting needs.

NIHR Public Open Data Platform (Public ODP) can be accessed without creating an account and consists of a searchable catalogue of non-commercial studies and research sites.

NIHR Reference and Terminology Service (RTS)

In order for research information systems to communicate with each other consistently and effectively, they need to use the same language. The RTS provides this language by acting as a repository for all organisation and site reference data - as well as standard terms - that can “talk” with any partner system. Visit our RTS Google site for more information.

Contact us

For general enquiries about NIHR’s Integrated Research Intelligence System (IRIS), email the Study Support Service Helpdesk: supportmystudy@nihr.ac.uk.