Research Portfolio
The Diabetes Research Network is working to develop a high quality and balanced portfolio of trials and other well designed studies that cover all aspects of the topic.
Studies that are included in the DRN portfolio can benefit from the support of DRN-funded staff working in Local Research Networks. This support might range from publicising the study to help with R&D approval applications, to the identification and recruitment of patients and will depend on the resources available at individual sites.
Type of studies Supported
In England, the Department of Health has determined that studies (clinical trials and other well designed studies which involve the NHS) that are funded by NIHR, other areas of Government, and NIHR non-commercial Partners are automatically eligible to be included in the Portfolio. NIHR Partners are those organisations that:
- award research funds as a result of open competition across England with high quality peer review
- fund research that is of clear value to the NHS
- take account of DH and NHS priorities and needs in their research funding strategies.
For more information on the portfolio inclusion criteria please contact the Diabetes Research Network Coordinating Centre using the email form provided on our contact us page.
If your study is adopted by the network we will need to collect monthly accruals data from you to monitor progress of the study.
Benefits
The DRN provides coordinated, efficient access to a large and diverse patient population across a range of clinical services and demographics.
Collectively it has extensive knowledge and experience in diabetes research and has close links with centres of excellence and key opinion leaders.
It has streamlined processes from a single point of contact which can help assess the feasibility of a project at an early stage and place a project in sites which will recruit well.
It adds value for both researchers and funders, ensuring projects are set up quickly and facilitating local financial, contractual, ethics and governance arrangements.
It monitors recruitment objectives throughout a project.
It has a standing workforce of highly trained research staff to assist with streamlined recruitment of participants.
It will promote a recruiting study both locally and nationally.
Any non commercial study within the portfolio has access to service support costs.
Support
Feasibility
The network can facilitate detailed feasibility from a single point of contact and will help decide where best to place a project so that it recruits well.
Scientific input
The network can provide access to key opinion leaders to help inform a study at the development and early feasibility stage.
Contracting
The network can facilitate the contracting process for commercial trials and will help with negotiating project costs.
Project set up
The network will provide advice and a single point of contact for coordinating all governance set up criteria including local ethics and R & D approval.
Progress mapping
The network will regularly monitor project progress and recruitment rates which will help identify any problems early and maximise the chances of an effective solution.
Dissemination
The network will help promote projects both locally and nationally and will publicise results following their completion via the NIHR CRN portfolio database.
Trained workforce
A highly trained workforce of research staff will be able to start a project quickly, identify eligible patients and provide information and support for other study staff.
Patient and public involvement
We can provide access to patient and public opinion to help design study information sheets and other study specific material.
Portfolio Database
The NIHR CRN portfolio database captures information on clinical studies within the portfolio, including accrual information.