Resources for Chief Investigators

Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU) chief investigators are likely to find many of the following resources useful for education about the methodology, conduct, and regulation of clinical trials.

The Clinical Trials Toolkit

The Clinical Trials Toolkit provides practical advice to researchers in designing and conducting publicly funded clinical trials in the UK. Through the use of an interactive routemap, this site provides information on best practice and outlines the current legal and practical requirements for conducting clinical trials. The Toolkit is primarily focused on Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMPs) and the regulatory environment and requirements associated with these. However, researchers and R&D staff working on trials in other areas will also find useful information and guidance of relevance to the wider trials environment.

UKCRC Registered CTU Network 

The Network supports the running of the How To Be A Good Chief Investigator workshops. The Network also provides a summary of learning and development opportunities for researchers and trialists.

MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership 

The MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership (TMRP) brings together a number of networks, institutions and partners working in trials and trials methodology research, including The Global Health Network (TGHN), Health Research Board - Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN), Health Data Research UK, UKCRC Registered CTU Network, and UK Trial Managers’ Network (UK TMN). The TMRP has created a useful summary of training courses in clinical trials methodology, including introductory courses, Masters courses (including Edinburgh's online MSc in Clinical Trials, skills training and other training resources via the TMRP resources page. 

Health Research Board Trials Methodology Research Network

The HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN) is a collaborative initiative between several Irish and international higher education institutes and methodology centres. They want to strengthen the methodology and reporting of trials in health and social care so that they become more relevant, accessible and influential for our community of patients and other service users, practitioners, policymakers and the public. This is achieved through a programme of work relating to the methodology of trials and focused on (i) support, (ii) training and education, (iii) research and innovation and (iv) Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement.

National Institute for Health and Care Research Learn 

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) learning platform contains many courses relating to clinical trials, including an onling GCP refresher course.

NHS Research Scotland 

NHS Research Scotland (NRS) is committed to strengthening the research culture in Scotland. Education teams across Scotland work closely with partners in the NHS, Higher Education Institutes and Research & Development departments to provide a service that is tailored to meet the needs of researchers and associated staff.

Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility Education Core 

The Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility Education Core provides education and training for the clinical research community through the delivery of courses, webinars and educational resources. Several courses are relevant to clinical trials, including NRS GCP courses. There’s also a collection of at least 18 free eLearning courses and online resources sourced from external providers relating to different aspects of clinical research. This includes the Edinburgh Clinical Trial Management Course.

Health Research Authority

The Health Research Authority (HRA) aims to support the development of high quality health research. They have a growing programme of eLearning modules designed to support the research community, accessed via their eLearning platform. You can also sign up to receive the HRA’s monthly e-newsletter via the HRA latest page.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) provides guidance and regulation about medicines and medical devices in the UK.

Please let the Clinical Director know if you are aware of any other useful resources that should be added.