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About Research Sponsorship
About Research Sponsorship
A research sponsor is an individual or organisation who takes overall responsibility for a research project.
Any research involving the NHS or Social Care (e.g. which falls within the remit of the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research) must have a sponsor. A named research sponsor is also required when applying via the Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) to an NHS or Social Care Research Ethics Committee (REC).
It is recommended that any other research projects have a sponsor or clearly identify who has overall responsibility for the project (this is a requirement for some organisations e.g. universities).
Sponsors are responsible for all stages of a research project from set-up and conduct through to close-down and reporting of results. They should have processes in place to oversee and manage these.
A sponsor may delegate certain tasks to other parties; however, they will always retain the overall responsibility for the research.
Who is the research sponsor?
Who is the research sponsor?
Often the sponsor of a research project is the organisation who holds the funding for it and/or is the employer of the lead researcher. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes arrangements are put in place for another organisation to take on sponsorship (e.g. an NHS Trust may act as sponsor for a clinical research project where a university holds the funding).
Two organisations can also take on sponsorship together, under a joint sponsorship arrangement.
In any case, it should always be clear to all parties involved, who is acting as sponsor for a particular project.
Sponsorship considerations
Sponsorship considerations
Ensuring that the proposed project is worthwhile and appropriately designed.
Making sure that there is sufficient funding in place to see the project through to completion.
Ensuring that the research project is appropriately indemnified (in terms of design, management and conduct).
Making sure that any applicable regulatory approvals are in place prior to the start of the research activity and that any regulatory requirements that apply throughout the lifecycle of the project are met.
Ensuring that an appropriate level of independent ethical review has been undertaken and that all relevant ethical standards are maintained.
Making sure that appropriate arrangements are in place for the management of the research activities and data produced (e.g. processes for risk assessments, data management, quality assurance, monitoring of progress and addressing issues). This should include consideration for storage and management (including retention for the required period) of research data and records once the project is complete.
Ensuring that the research team and research locations (sites) are suitable and that all tasks and roles related to the research are clearly delegated. This includes ensuring that the appropriate contracts and agreements with researchers, research sites and vendors are in place.
Ensuring that, if applicable, the research is registered on a publicly accessible registry and that, when available, the results of the research are transparently and appropriately shared.
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