National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Associate Principal Investigator Scheme

The Associate Principal Investigator (API) Scheme aims to develop health and care professionals to become the Principal Investigators (PIs) of the future. It is a six month in-work training opportunity, providing practical experience for healthcare professionals starting their research career.

People who would not normally have the opportunity to take part in clinical research in their day-to-day role have the chance to experience what it means to work on and deliver an NIHR portfolio trial under the mentorship of an enthusiastic Local Principal Investigator (PI).

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API Training Opportunities

The below courses have been specifically designed to supplement the NIHR API training pathway and highlight research resources and requirements. 

We also offer more in-depth training at Course Browse | NHS Research Scotland | NHS Research Scotland

• Informed Consent - Adults: Ethical, legal and practical aspects in clinical research
• Paediatric Consent - The Practicalities and Legalities in taking consent for Paediatric Trials
• Principal Investigator Roles and Responsibilities Workshop
• CTIMP Workshop

API Training Sessions

Getting started in a research trial

This short session will build on knowledge gained at Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. It will highlight the requirements of study set up, including preparation of site files, site initiation visits and recruitment strategies.  

This is suitable for members of the NIHR Associate PI Scheme, and those new to the PI role.

Delivering a research trial

This short session will build on knowledge gained at GCP training.  It will highlight Principal Investigator oversight in research studies and discuss how this should be demonstrated throughout the study.

This is suitable for members of the NIHR Associate PI Scheme, and those new to the PI role.

We also offer the PI Roles and Responsibilities course to further develop skills and knowledge in this area.

The who’s who of research and innovation in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

This short session will highlight the different support departments in R&I and discuss the roles and responsibilities of each team.

This is suitable for members of the NIHR Associate PI Scheme, or people new to the PI role.

Trial design

This short session will discuss different types of trial design and consider practical examples.  It will highlight risk adaptive approaches to maintain patient safety and data integrity

This is suitable for members of the NIHR Associate PI Scheme, or people new to the PI role.

Investigational Medicinal Products

This session will build on knowledge gained at GCP training.  This is an introduction to the requirements of running a clinical trial of an investigational medicinal product.

This is suitable for members of the NIHR Associate PI Scheme, or people new to the PI role.

A full day CTIMP workshop is also offered to further knowledge and skills in this area.

Quality and safety reporting in research trials

This short session will build on knowledge gained at GCP training.  It will highlight Principal Investigator responsibilities with regards to monitoring and audit, and discuss safety reporting processes.

This is suitable for members of the NIHR Associate PI Scheme, or people new to the PI role.