Research undertaken within each Clinical Academic Unit (CAU) must meet certain criteria. To ensure this is the case, it is essential that all research at Barts and The London (both in the Trust and in the School of Medicine and Dentistry) has been appropriately reviewed, not only for its scientific rigor but also for strategic fit and use of available resources.
Each CAU should establish a system appropriate for their discipline to review prospective research. That review should:
Ensure “fit” with the CAU’s research strategy;
Establish that the researcher, or research team, has the experience and expertise to conduct the research safely and to the necessary high standard;
Ensure that appropriate resources available to carry out the research – both human and physical within the CAU and other departments (e.g. Pharmacy and Imaging); and
Include a scientific peer review, in instances where no external review has taken place.
Reviews of proposed research projects should be conducted by a team of individuals of the appropriate seniority to enable them to comment and make decisions on the suitability and affordability of the research. Reviews could take place at a physical meeting or electronically dependent upon the needs of the Unit. However they are undertaken, it is important that reviews are chaired by a senior member of staff who is able to take action when necessary. Applications should be administered centrally and in a timely manner so as not to hold up applications for funding or governance approval. Minutes/ outcomes of the reviews should be sent to the Research Operations Manager in the R&D Department, email to be confirmed.
It is the responsibility of the CAU, with the support of the R&D office, to ensure their researchers are aware of the research governance process, their responsibilities around data protection, EU legislation, sponsorship responsibilities and Acts relevant to their research.
Sponsor responsibility
The Research Governance Framework lays out specific guidance regarding the scientific assessment of research, and, within the Framework, it is the Research Sponsor's responsibility to ensure this process takes place. The Joint Research Office has developed a template peer review form, which you should use. The form can be downloaded below.
R&D Office submission
Peer Review