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UKCRF Network awarded £2.4 million in public funding to support the delivery of early phase research studies
24th January 2023
The UK Clinical Research Facility Network (UKCRF Network), hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), has been awarded £2.4 million funding by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to support research studies over the next five years
The UKCRF Network works in collaboration with 54 Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) based within NHS Trusts and Boards across the UK and Ireland, including several CRFs within Scotland. It also links with other key early phase and experimental medicine infrastructure including for cancer and vaccine trials.
The aim of the network is to benefit the UK early-stage clinical research and life sciences industry by developing, sharing and implementing excellence in operational practice for efficient and effective trial delivery, excellent patient experience and safety.
Interim Director of UKCRF Network, Paul Brown, led on the successful proposal to the NIHR alongside MFT, CRF Directors and colleagues within the Network.
He said: “We are thrilled to announce that this bid was successful, and we have been officially awarded NIHR funding for the UKCRF Network from 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2028.
“NIHR’s funding is a significant increase, which is a testament to our collaborative structure and a vote of confidence in the work to date. We look forward to expanding our teams, their remit and continuing our growth and success over the next five years.”
Dr Steve McSwiggan – Deputy Director of the Edinburgh CRF, who represents the Scottish CRFs on the UKCRF Network – said, “The increased investment in the UKCRF Network will bring significant benefits to clinical research staff and the operational efficiency of Clinical Research Facilities across the whole UK.
“By fostering greater collaboration and networking, staff will continue to have the opportunity to share best practice and learn from one another, leading to improved standards of care and professional development. CRFs will benefit from increased support from the UKCRFN, helping them to stay current with the latest developments and techniques and contribute to the growth of health and care research across the four nations of the UK.”
