There are a number of key stages and various important topics you need to know before you carry out your study, during your research, and after the study has been concluded. Below, you will find an overview of our research pathway:
You should always contact the Research and Innovation team in the first instance, to ensure that you are prepared for the following stages:
- Initial planning: It is crucial that you are in touch with the Research and Innovation team at this stage so that they can help you to determine more details about your project, develop a protocol, and organise sponsorship.
- Funding: All projects need to be fully funded – especially to cover the cost of using Trust resources. The Research and Innovation team will help you to determine the costs associated with research activity such as staff time, consumables, equipment and the facilities where the research will be conducted.
- Feasibility: A feasibility review ensures that a proposed study has a better chance of being successfully completed. This must be provided in your applications for national and local approvals.
- Approvals: Permission to carry out research is required from various authorities, such as regulatory bodies at a national level. Approval from the host organisation, the clinical department and various other areas at a local level will also be needed. Contracts and agreements may be required to clarify terms and conditions of funding or how data is shared or used. Your proposals will undergo an ethical review at this stage.
- Conduct and responsibilities: All research must be conducted in line with the approved protocol, Trust policy and national frameworks. As an investigator, you will have multiple responsibilities. You can always contact your Study Support Officer for clarification.
- Finalising your research: Once your study has been completed, you will need to provide an end of study report and alert the Research and Innovation team of various other figures and findings.
- Publicising your research: When you have finished your research and your findings are about to be published, you need to consider publicising your research. Promoting your research to a general audience is a vital part of your research. The Research and Innovation Communications team can help you with this part of your project.
