Starting a Research Project

In this section
Starting a Research Project

Diagram illustrating order of stages in planning research: 1: Study design; 2: Facilities; 3: Scientific Peer Review; 4: Secure Funding; 5: Prepare study documentation; 6: Sponsorship; 7: Protocol; 8: Contracts; 9: Registration on public database; 10: Finalise study documents; 11: Statutory approvals; 12: Ethics review; 13: Initiation of study

People working on a projectComprehensive planning early in your research will pay dividends. Use the links provided here for advice in designing your study and how to obtain correct regulatory approval. Visit the Sponsorship page for information on obtaining Sponsorship for your study and the SOP and Templates page for instructions and a range of guidance documents including protocol, participant information sheet and informed consent form templates.

Instructions and advice for the active phase of your research, once all approvals are in place, can be found on the Managing your Research page.

Useful Documents and Links

“Research ethics committees (RECs) act as part of an efficient, accountable and independent Research Ethics Service to protect the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of people who take part in research.” Governance Arrangements for Ethics Committees 3.1.1 2020

North of Scotland Research Ethics Service located within NHS Grampian are part of a UK wide service overseen by the Health Research Authority in the UK and by the Chief Scientist Office in Scotland.

How can we help?

  • Advise if your project would require NHS Ethics?
  • Link to tools
  • email
  • Answer questions on the Ethics Process
  • Provide links to training and other documentation
  • Review documentation before submission via IRAS

Contact details

For more information email gram.nosres@nhs.scot

IRAS - link and further information