The aim of the review is to generate appropriate evidence on current gaps/synergies, duplications and needs in the clinical research infrastructure in Ireland, in order to inform strategic priorities for future investment.

The HRB will commission an expert body to assist in coordinating the review, which is anticipated to be completed by February 2019.

Background

Over the past decade, the Health Research Board (HRB) has invested more than €100 million to develop a national clinical research system.

The aim was twofold: –

  1. to create the right environment and build capacity to do clinical research in Ireland:
  2. to establish Ireland as a high quality location to conduct clinical research and trials.

This required:

  • physical facilities and equipment in hospitals to conduct patient studies;
  • specialist expertise and appropriate services in areas such as data management, methodology advice, and regulatory requirements;
  • coordination, research support, and networks.

There are now:

  • seven clinical research facilities/centres nationally*, (three currently supported by the HRB)
  • five HRB-funded clinical trial networks**
  • a trial methodology research network (HRB-TMRN)
  • a centralised support coordinating conduct of multicentre trials across Ireland (HRB-CRCI).

Moving forward

In our Strategy 2016-2020, Research. Evidence. Action., the HRB commits to consolidate and build on the progress made in the development of Clinical Research Infrastructure in Ireland so far.

The review will be conducted in close consultation with key stakeholders from the clinical research community. The HRB will be in contact with key stakeholders once a commissioned expert body is in place circa May 2018.

* HRB CRF Galway, Wellcome- HRB CRF at St James’s Hospital, HRB CRF Cork, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Clinical Research Centre (CRC) at Beaumont, University College Dublin CRC at St Vincent’s and the Mater, University of Limerick Health Research Institute Clinical Research Support Unit, and National Children’s Research Centre at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

** Cancer Trials Ireland, HRB Mother and Baby Clinical Trial Network, HRB Stroke Clinical Trial Network, HRB Primary Care Clinical Trial Network and HRB Critical Care Clinical Trial Network.