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Streamlining Information Requirements for Permissions and Approvals

IRAS logo
The Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) is a UK-wide system that streamlines the process for applying for permissions and approvals to conduct health and social care research.
 
IRAS allows researchers to enter the information for the relevant permissions and approvals once, instead of having to complete several separate application forms for each review body.

 

Filters are used to ensure that data is collected and collated appropriately to the type of study and the approvals and permissions required. IRAS captures the information needed by:

  • Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC)
  • Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC)
  • Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
  • Ministry of Justice (National Offender Management Service)
  • NHS / HSC research offices
  • NRES/ NHS / HSC Research Ethics Committees
  • Patient Information Advisory Group (PIAG)

 

In May 2008 the first stage of EudraCT functionality was launched in IRAS. This means that data on Investigational Medicinal Product(s) can now be entered in IRAS and from this users can create an application form to send to MHRA. Data can also be imported from EudraCT into IRAS. The second stage of EudraCT functionality in IRAS will include the remaining data fields. This will be added in Summer 2008.

Researchers are strongly urged to begin new applications on IRAS now because:

  • Of the increased functionality and benefits of the integration IRAS offers
  • In the future IRAS will be the entry point to other systems including the National Institute for Health Research Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission (NIHR CSP)
  • Data cannot be transferred from the old ethics on-line application form to IRAS.

 

IRAS can be accessed directly at http://www.myresearchproject.org.uk/

About the development of IRAS

IRAS was developed under the auspices of the UKCRC, led by The National Research Ethics Service. The initiative is supported by the NHS R&D Forum, the major regulatory and governance bodies, the UK Health Departments, the UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN), the Forum of NHS Wales for R&D Management in Health & Social Care (FORWARD) and various funders of research. IRAS was launched in January 2008 for consultation-in-use. This phase closed at the end of June 2008. Many of the suggestions received will be or have already been incorporated into IRAS.

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