These pages are designed to guide you through the full lifecycle of your research - from getting started and securing approvals, to conducting your study and reporting results. You’ll also find information about our support teams, as well as access to SOPs and document templates to help you stay compliant and on track. ACCORD's specialised teams from the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian provide expert guidance and support with funding applications, research approvals, and conducting clinical research in compliance with regulatory standards and good practice. We're all here to support you at every stage of your research journey. Planning research Guidance on confirming a Sponsor, securing funding and approvals and putting the essential documentation in place to begin your study. Conducting research Once your study begins, you must manage ongoing responsibilities such as oversight, protocol amendments, recruitment, safety reporting, and end-of-study notifications. Clinical trials Clinical trials are typically more complex than other types of research. They require careful planning, close collaboration across teams and, in some cases, regulatory approval from bodies such as the MHRA. Important considerations Good research goes beyond study design. Key considerations include patient and public involvement (PPI), equality, diversity and inclusion, and transparency in research. Global health research ACCORD supports global health research in low- and middle-income countries by providing expertise in study design, ethical and regulatory compliance, training and monitoring. Through this comprehensive support, we aim to enhance the quality and impact of clinical research addressing global health challenges. Hosted research The NHS Lothian R&D Governance team within ACCORD reviews and approves research studies involving NHS Lothian patients, staff, or facilities. They ensure studies meet national and local governance standards, issue management approval, and support researchers with amendments and additional approvals. Policies, SOPs and Guidance Here you’ll find the essential documents you need to plan and conduct your research with confidence, including SOPs and policies and guidance notes. These resources set out the standards, responsibilities, and best practices that ensure our studies are conducted safely, ethically, and in line with regulations. Useful document templates Templates to help you prepare study documents that meet current regulatory and research governance standards. This article was published on 2025-03-17
