Study Assessment Committee (SAC)
To obtain MCRN support with site setup and recruitment, studies have to be included in the NIHR CRN portfolio. Standard NIHR CRN processes are followed, with studies being submitted to the "NIHR Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission" (NIHR CSP) to initiate the NHS R&D approvals process. Subsequently, the MCRN Study Assessment Committee (SAC) assesses issues pertaining to study feasibility/delivery (and adoption status if not automatically eligible).
For publicly-sponsored studies (whether the funding is from public or industry sources), please see the flowchart in this pdf document, for a guide to getting studies included in the portfolio.
For industry-sponsored studies, please click here for details and contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as early as possible to initiate study adoption, no need to wait for CSP submission.
The SAC meets every two weeks to consider studies so as to not delay study timelines and documents should be submitted two weeks before meetings. It is advisable to allow additional time wherever possible when submitting studies for adoption during the summer holiday and Christmas periods.
Responses are returned to investigators as soon as possible following meetings. Where studies have not been immediately adopted, detailed comments/requests for clarification are returned. Investigators then return their own responses to the MCRN and these are either considered at the next SAC meeting or earlier by Chair’s action.
In addition, please note that the MCRN monitor recruitment into studies closely, so one of the conditions of adoption is that the MCRN receives recruitment data on a monthly basis, with minimum ICMJE details shown on the NIHR CRN portfolio database (http://www.icmje.org). The MCRN will send you a standard spreadsheet monthly for completion. For publicly-sponsored studies, investigators/study coordinators are required to input study information directly onto the NIHR CRN portfolio database.
For further information and meeting dates, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or for industry-sponsored studies This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it