The Research and Development Office is a directorate of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Central Services Agency and was established to promote, co-ordinate and support R&D within the NIHPSS. Its remit encompasses the research needs of the DHSS&PS and all sectors of Health and Social Care within Northern Ireland.

The implementation of the strategy is supported by the R&D Strategic Advisory Group.

The R&D Office has a dual strategic role and operational role. At a strategic level the Office provides an overall strategic direction for Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) R&D and liases with national statutory bodies and health-related organisations including the Department of Health. At an operational level the R&D Office supports a wide range of R&D initiatives from education and training to direct commissioning.

The Spring 2008 issue of R&D Today has been published. Please click here to view Issue 10 of the Newsletter.

A new model Clinical Trial Agreement for industry-sponsored clinical trials of investigational medicinal products managed by Cinical Research Organisations (CROs) is available now for use by HSC Trusts. The new agreement known as the CRO mCTA should reduce the start-up time of clinical trials allowing patients faster access to effective drugs and treatments and providing a more streamlined system. The CRO mCTA is designed to be used without modification and should be acceptable to all parties.

Full details of the Northern Ireland version of the CRO mCTA and guidance can be accessed here.