What are the benefits of studies being in the UKCRN Portfolio?

UKCRN aims to build a complete picture of the clinical research which is currently taking place across the UK in order to manage the allocation of NHS infrastructure funding. Targeting resources to support the recruitment and follow-up of patients in clinical trials and other well designed studies will increase the timeliness, data collection and quality of the research by building skill and expertise in the research workforce to undertake research with continuity of support.

In England studies included in the NIHR Portfolio have access to infrastructure support via the NIHR Comprehensive Clinical Research Network (through the Comprehensive Local Research Networks, CLRNs), and, where relevant, the Topic Specific and the Primary Care Clinical Research Networks. This infrastructure support covers study promotion, set up, recruitment and follow up by Network staff.

Only those studies that are part of the UKCRN Portfolio will have access to infrastructure support, it is therefore crucial that all studies which are eligible are included.

The UKCRN is also currently working with internationally recognised Trial Registries with the aim that the data submitted to UKCRN for Portfolio registration will be sufficient to achieve trial registration which is compliant with WHO registration criteria.