ICR meets with Cooksey review on UK health research

ICR meets with Cooksey review on UK health research

The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) has met with the Cooksey Review to discuss the new single fund for health research. The ICR was represented by Dr Tina Barton (Chair ICR & Vice President Strategic Accounts, Covance Ltd), Anne Davies (Director ICR) and Dr John Hooper (Chief Executive ICR).

An outline of the ICR’s initial response to the review, which they believe to be “timely and fundamental to the future of health research in the UK”, is as follows;

The strength of MRC and NHS R&D is their experience of medical research. By working in partnership with professional bodies such as ICR, expertise can be provided to improve the clinical trial process in the UK.

In terms of the appropriate balance between economic and social benefits, the political climate changes direction with every new minister and improvements are not seen in public health structure due to this. For example, access to advice on regulatory issues and drug development should be in place. Improved career development and salary services for NHS and academia to prevent “braindrain” into Pharmaceuticals.

On how publicly funded health research in the UK been used thus far the ICR believes that key stakeholders are missed out in consultations such as these and professional bodies need to be involved in decisions of policy. There should also be more transparency on where public funds are spent.

In summary, there are two key messages; firstly that communications with all parties (commercial/NHS/academia/MRC) should be co-ordinated so that information is consistent for all clinical researchers.

Secondly, on training and education, there is a need to build and use a core base of information and career development pathways.

The full response of the ICR to the Cooksey Review is available on their website www.icr-global.org.