As part of its capacity-building programme for 2010, HSC R&D Division invites applications for two opportunities from the Cochrane Collaboration:

1. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW COURSES

The Cochrane programme for 2010 offers a series of half-day introductory courses and two-day intensive courses. These courses are suitable for those in a health and social care setting who require an understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice, for those who wish to improve their practice or for those considering preparing systematic reviews.

One half-day introductory course will take place in Northern Ireland on 22 April 2010. On completion of the half-day course, participants should have a thorough background knowledge of the Cochrane Collaboration and its importance in informing evidence-based health and social care provision.

Two-day systematic review courses will take place at the following venues:

Cork 6-7 July 2010 Galway TBC August 2010 Belfast 13-14 September 2010 Dublin 11-12 October 2010

On completion of the two-day course, participants should have increased confidence and ability to embark on their own systematic review and be able to position this within the Cochrane Collaboration. They should also be better able to interpret the results of systematic reviews done by others. To be eligible for a place on these courses, applicants must be employed in Northern Ireland, within Health & Social Care (HSC), voluntary/not-for-profit organisations providing health and social care or within an academic institution.

Closing date for applications to attend the Cochrane Systematic Review Courses 2010: 4pm on Friday 26 March 2010

2. COCHRANE FELLOWSHIPS

The aim of the Cochrane Fellowship scheme is to build capacity in conducting systematic reviews in the health and social care field in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and to free up protected time for applicants to conduct and maintain a systematic review and to generate a body of systematic reviews, led by Irish and Northern Irish reviewers, for inclusion in the worldwide Cochrane Library. Applicants must be employed in Northern Ireland, within Health & Social Care (HSC), voluntary/not-for-profit organisations providing health and social care or within an academic institution. The Fellowship provides the Fellow with protected time for up to two days per week for up to two years. The award covers systematic review training costs, salary costs and research expenses.

Closing date for applications to the Cochrane Fellowship Scheme 2010: 4pm on Friday 21 May 2010

For more information, please contact: Lesley Armour Tel: 028 90 55 3617 email: lesley.armour@hscni.net

Cochrane Training Guidance Notes:link

Cochrane Training Application Form:link

Cochrane Fellowship Guidance Notes:link

Cochrane Fellowship Application Form: link

Please attached document below: link

** Important notice about the Research and Development Office **
As of the 1st April 2009, the functions of the Research and Development Office transferred to the new Public Health Agency. The details below remain valid during the short transition period.

The Research and Development Office was established to promote, co-ordinate and support R&D within the NIHPSS. Its remit encompasses the research needs of the DHSS&PS and all sectors of Health and Social Care within Northern Ireland.

The implementation of the strategy is supported by the R&D Strategic Advisory Group.

The R&D Office has a dual strategic role and operational role. At a strategic level the Office provides an overall strategic direction for Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) R&D and liases with national statutory bodies and health-related organisations including the Department of Health. At an operational level the R&D Office supports a wide range of R&D initiatives from education and training to direct commissioning.

The Winter 2009 issue of R&D Today has been published. Please click here to view Issue 12 of the Newsletter.

Sponsors of research and host instituitions need to have appropriate agreements in place before a piece of research can start. Information relating to the following four agreements have been published on this site:
Revised model Clinical Trial Agreement (mCTA)
Contact Research Organisation Model Clinical Trial Agreement (CRO mCTA)
Model Clinical Investigation Agreement (mCIA)
Model agreement for non-commercial research in the Health Service