The purpose of the NIHR Clinical Research Networks is to provide high quality infrastructure to support the conduct of clinical research within the NHS. This includes access to physical infrastructure, research support personnel and services as well as directly facilitating researchers in the set-up and conduct of their research.
The Lead Network Service focuses on the facilitation of the researcher’s ‘journey’ in the timely set-up of Multi-centre clinical research studies. For each multicentre study, a Lead NIHR Clinical Research Network will be assigned to take responsibility for facilitating the set-up of the study.
The Lead Network will:
- Identify the elements of support that should be provided by the Networks for the study (i.e. service support)
- Liaise, on behalf of the Chief Investigator, with other relevant NIHR Clinical Research Networks to confirm that support will be provided at each of the recruiting centres
- Keep the CI informed of progress at the other NIHR Clinical Research Networks and help resolve any problems.
Choice of Lead Network
For studies which fall within the remit of the CCRN, the Lead Network will, in most circumstances, be the CLRN where the Chief Investigator is based. For studies which fall under the remit of a TCRN, or the PCRN, the Lead Network is most likely to be relevant TCRN or PCRN Local Research Network or Coordinating Centre.
More information and key contacts across the family of networks (CCRN, PCRN, TCRN).
Within Norfolk and Suffolk CLRN the point of contact is Natalie Barber, Lead RM&G Manager: natalie.barber@nnuh.nhs.uk
