Starting a Research Project

Diagram illustrating order of stages in planning research: 1: Study design; 2: Facilities; 3: Scientific Peer Review; 4: Secure Funding; 5: Prepare study documentation; 6: Sponsorship; 7: Protocol; 8: Contracts; 9: Registration on public database; 10: Finalise study documents; 11: Statutory approvals; 12: Ethics review; 13: Initiation of study

Comprehensive planning early in your research will pay dividends. Use the links provided here for advice in designing your study and how to obtain correct regulatory approval. Visit the Sponsorship page for information on obtaining Sponsorship for your study and the SOP and Templates page for instructions and a range of guidance documents including protocol, participant information sheet and informed consent form templates.

Instructions and advice for the active phase of your research, once all approvals are in place, can be found on the Managing your Research page.

Useful Documents and Links

UK policy framework for health and social care research
UK Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004 No. 1031)
MHRA website