Virtual NHS research institute proposed

A virtual National Institute for Health Research linking together NHS R&D centres around England is at the centre of proposals in a new research strategy out for consultation.

The strategy paper says that the new institute would have:

• A linked set of technology platforms to support clinical research in selected research-intensive hospitals and NHS providers;

• A linked group of academic medical centres with the clinical depth to enable them to act as leaders in scientific translation and early adopters of new insights into technology and techniques for improving health;

• Research networks and information systems offering expert support to everyone conducting research and helping to streamline essential processes and decisions.

The strategy paper says: “The institute will be ‘virtual’ in nature. It will not be an arm’s length body nor will it have a separate management structure or chief executive. Rather it will be a bringing together of all that NHS R&D does in order to increase the sense of coherence in our programmes, funding streams and research management programmes.”

The aim is to provide world class support and create the conditions to attract and retain the researchers needed to tackle the health challenges of the future. “The current systems faces many challenges from lack of incentives to conduct health research in the NHS, through problems with career paths for all professionals involved in research, to the perception that, however well designed, applied research is somehow ‘second class’ research,” says the strategy document.

The consultation period runs from 29 July 2005 until 21 October 2005