NCRN
About the NCRN
The National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) was created in response to the need to improve
the infrastructure within the NHS for clinical research in cancer and to ensure that research is
better integrated with cancer care as outlined in the 2000 Report of the Science and
Technology Committee on Cancer Research.
What is the NCRN?
The NCRN was established by the Department of Health in April 2001 to provide the NHS with
an infrastructure to support prospective trials of cancer treatments and other well-designed
studies and to integrate and support research undertaken by cancer charities. Its aim is to
improve the speed, quality and integration of research, ultimately resulting in improved patient
care.
Cancer Research Networks
The NCRN will increase involvement and recruitment into trials through the creation of cancer
research networks across England, closely aligned to cancer service networks. NCRN funding is
allocated to networks to appoint research staff, such as research nurses, data managers and
medical staff sessions and to access pharmacy, pathology, radiology and other areas of
support, such as information systems and training, all of which are integral to high quality
research.
34 cancer research networks have been established. Each network is required to appoint a
clinical and administrative lead (Clinical Lead for Research and Research Network Manager) with
responsibility for the overall leadership and management of the local networks.
For further info on the NCRN please visit their site