The importance of Clinical Trials Units in developing an NIHR funding application

The NIHR has produced a video highlighting the role that Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) play in developing an NIHR funding application, explaining both the role and benefits of working with CTUs.

CTUs are specialist units which have been set up with a specific remit to design, conduct, analyse and publish clinical trials. They bring together a range of trials expertise within one centre, working in a collaborative relationship with Principal Investigators in order to deliver high quality and efficient clinical trials. 

The NIHR recognises the important role of CTUs and researchers are strongly encouraged to contact a CTU early in the process of developing research ideas and preparing funding applications. Since 2008 the NIHR has provided UKCRC registered CTUs in England with the opportunity to apply for funding to increase their capacity to support NIHR funded projects and funding applications.

Professor Jim Thornton is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Nottingham and an experienced trialist. He was interviewed in the video and tells us that: “Success breeds success, and trials done with CTUs tend to be successful and therefore you get more funding for your next project…if you run one trial successfully the funders, researchers and trials units want to work with you in the future”.

Watch the video.