Following a systematic roll-out of its implementation in England, supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Networks, the HR resource pack has been refined to reflect feedback from users of the scheme, including researchers, HR in the NHS and University sectors. The pack has also been amended to take account of the Vetting and Barring Scheme.

A booklet has been published which provides an overview for clinical researchers on the initiatives that have been put in place to streamline the regulatory and governance environment.

A training module has been launched to support users of the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS). The module, which is available online and free to use, provides a simple guide to the system and its functionality.

Applications are now invited from Clinical Trials Units wishing to become a UKCRC Registered Clinical Trials Unit. The deadline for applications is 7 August 2009.

A new round of competitive funding offering up to £8 million has been announced as part of the UKCRC Translational Infection Research Initiative.

All data required to make an application for authorisation of a clinical trial of an Investigational Medicinal Product (IMP) can now be completed within the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS).

www.hrcsonline.net launched to support users of the UKCRC Health Research Classification System (HRCS), which can be used to classify the full spectrum of biomedical and health research from basic to applied, and across all areas of health and disease.

The Integrated Research Application System has been updated today to include a system of electronic authorisation as an alternative to ink signature for most declarations required in IRAS.

A new set of educational materials and classroom resources for students and teachers on clinical research is launched today. The materials have been developed to support teaching of the national science curricula across the UK.

The Department of Health for England, on behalf of the UK Health Departments, with the ABHI today launched a model Agreement for medical technology industry-sponsored clinical trials that are carried out on patients in NHS hospitals.