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National Framework for Experimental Medicine

The need for more investment in experimental medicine was highlighted in reports on clinical research by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Biosciences Innovation and Growth Team.
 
In response to this, the UK Clinical Research Collaboration Partners are funding the development of new infrastructure, research and training by:
 
  • Increasing capacity for experimental medicine research 
  • Creating a higher profile for this area of research 
  • Rapidly developing the field through investment in research infrastructure
  • Avoiding unnecessary duplication

 

The UKCRC Partners’ long-term aim is to develop a National Framework for experimental medicine that links together the following elements: 

  • A UK-wide network of facilities involved in experimental research, for example Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs) and other models
  • Schemes to fund research nurses, junior trainees and senior posts (Clinical Professorships)
  • Research programme funding focusing on experimental medicine
  • Training programmes focused on the network of CRFs and experimental medicine centres
  • A national capacity to provide:
    • regulatory and governance support for the CRFs and experimental medicine centres
    • data management, programme management and statistical support to the CRFs
    • pharmaceutical support consisting of advice on formulation, GMP, and stability/quality control (potentially build on existing NHS pharmacy manufacturing units)
    • early medicinal chemistry
    • infectious disease surveillance, patient management and research
  • Associated platforms for enabling technologies (for example imaging, proteomics, genomics, diagnostics and devices)
  • Links to the UK Clinical Research Network and Topic Specific Networks
  • Brokerage capability aimed at providing information on availability of expertise and patients to industry, particularly biotech
  • Expansion of the Wellcome Trust specialist research nurses network to encompass other CRFs
  • Interface with industry contract research organisations
  • Coordinated development of IT systems, building on National Programme for IT (Connecting for Health)

 

Links:

Overview of UKCRC activity in experimental medicine

Details of the coordinated initiative in experimental medicine