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Last updated on 24 Nov 2023

We’re making it easier to do research that people can trust

Our core purpose is to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. To achieve this, we make sure research is ethically reviewed. To earn people’s trust, research projects involving people, their tissue or their data need a number of approvals before they can go ahead.

Our 2022 in numbers

3250 Research Ethics Committee reviews

1050 assessments for HRA Approval which reduces duplication of checks needed before a study can start

120 Confidentiality Advisory Group reviews

300 Technical Assurance reviews which provide expert review of the use of medicines and radiation in research

80% of people rated their HRA experience 7/10 or higher

Researchers can apply to 10 agencies across all four UK nations in one go using our Integrated Research Application System (IRAS)

Making change happen

  • simplifying the research system from idea right up to study start
  • acting on the issues that matter to people by setting standards and supporting researchers to meet them
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