Introduction
Pathology has a distinguished record of research with many members and Fellows contributing to significant advances in medicine. The potential impact of new discoveries can be huge as exemplified by the recent Nobel Prize award for the discovery of Helicobacter Pylori to a pathologist, Robin Warren. Pathology and research are inseparably linked and all the branches are rapidly developing bringing greater understanding of disease and how to manage it more successfully.
A good understanding of science is a pre-requisite of practicing pathology and this can be derived most effectively through research. A research culture engenders a healthy inquisitive atmosphere within individuals and Departments.
Research can be undertaken at a variety of levels and each is important. The vast majority of pathologists will publish work at some time in their career. For many this will be observations made in the course of their clinical work, others will decide that part of their time will be set aside for undertaking research projects or supervising more junior staff to undertake the leading role. In Teaching Hospitals individuals employed by the NHS may has substantial research activities and be widely recognised for their skills. In Universities academics usually combine clinical work and basic, translational or clinical research however some choose to become full time researchers. Research also takes place in Industry where it is focussed on Company priorities and tends to take place in larger teams but none the less can be groundbreaking and developments can make a major contribution to human and animal health.
All of the above types of research are valuable and the impact of even small pieces of work can be very large. Day to day observations at the bench can yield important questions the answers to which have an impact around the world.
Research training also improves the quality of professional practice equipping the pathologist with new skills and a critical mind allowing them to weigh up the evidence base for a particular treatment or approach to diagnosis.
This area of the website is meant to inform and educate and hopefully to stimulate young trainees to consider a research career. Feedback is welcome as are additional contributions.
Trainees Research
Pathways to postgraduate research
NIHR Coordinated System for gaining NHS Permission UKCRN has published information on the coordinated system it is taking forward for dealing with NHS permission for research in England from April 2008. Combined with other developments, the system will aim to simplify the process for applying for NHS permission (R&D approval).
The main features of the system are:
i) a single point for applications to all NHS organizations
ii) coordination and standardisation of the review of applications by CLRN-funded R&D staff in NHS organizations
iii) coordination of provision of permission from all the relevant NHS organisations for a study. For details see http://www.ukcrn.org.uk/index/clinical/r_management.html
National Research Register (NRR) archive. The National Research Register has now closed down. Existing data on the NRR can now be accessed from the NIHR portal at http://portal.nihr.ac.uk/ However no new data will be added to the NRR.
UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) - New web-based resource signposts UK experimental medicine expertise
The resource acts as an optimum entry point for industry and academic investigators seeking information about experimental medicine facilities in the UK. It contains up-to-date information on available expertise, resources, techniques and technologies in experimental medicine. It will play a vital role in facilitating links between experimental medicine investigators, basic scientists, trialists, and industry. It should facilitate in driving innovative ideas from the laboratory to the hospital clinic.
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