How is UKCRN Structured?

The UK Clinical Research Network comprises of a number of Clinical Research Networks.

Clinical Research Networks
Clinical Research Networks in England have been established to support work in the areas of cancer, dementias and neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, medicines for children, mental health, primary care and stroke.

Each Clinical Research Network consists of a number of Local Research Networks that coordinate and facilitate the conduct of clinical research within a specific geographical area of England. Each Network, with the exception of the Primary Care Research Network, is overseen by a national Coordinating Centre.

The Clinical Research Networks in England work closely with partners in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to facilitate the delivery of clinical research across the whole of the UK.

UKCRN’s remit has expanded significantly since its creation and the development of the Comprehensive NHS Research Network, set out in the new NHS R&D Strategy, will eventually allow UKCRN to support research in all areas of disease and clinical need.

A whole systems approach
The UK Clinical Research Network is not just concerned with the development of NHS infrastructure. The Coordinating Centre is also leading on work which will improve the clinical research environment as a whole. Although the Clinical Research Networks for a key part of the requirement, there are other key areas which are being developed in parallel. They include:

• The creation of national groups to oversee the research portfolios in each of the topic areas
• The strengthening of capacity in the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials and other well-designed studies
• Coordination of regulatory and governance advice
• Dialogue with research funders to ensure that high quality clinical research is supported.