The NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) helps to provide the infrastructure that allows high-quality clinical research to take place in the NHS so that patients can benefit from new and better treatments. The RDN replaced the Clinical Research Network (CRN) on 1 October 2024.
The UK Research Delivery Network
The RDN consists of 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs) and a Coordinating Centre (RDNCC) in England. Through the RDN, researchers can have access to support at the planning, set-up and delivery phases of a study, including advice and support to overcome barriers to successful recruitment.
The NIHR RDN portfolio
BHF-funded studies that apply and are eligible for NIHR RDN support in England are included on the NIHR RDN portfolio.
NIHR RDN supported studies benefit from the following:
- access to the Study Support Service - a standard national framework of support to help plan, place and perform high quality research in England
- provision of NHS support as defined by AcoRD and/or the equivalent of NHS support in other settings (e.g. research carried out in social care, care homes, hospices, or public health settings)
- provision of Research Part B costs as defined by AcoRD
- access to relevant research delivery training, including Good Clinical Practice training
- ISRCTN registration through the Central Portfolio Management System. Registration of non-commercial studies with an interventional component is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Visit the RDN portfolio website to find out more about accessing advice and support for your clinical study. Read about research delivery support for non-commercial studies.
If you are applying for research infrastructure support in UK administrations outside of England, see the links below: