April 2008 saw the full implementation of the NIHR Comprehensive Clinical Research Network. This network has 25 local networks covering England and provides NHS support costs for studies funded by NIHR partners.

The Department of Health (DH) has defined NIHR partners as those organisations that:

• use high quality peer review to make funding decisions

• award research funds as a result of open national competition

• take account of DH and NHS priorities and needs in their research funding strategies

While all AMRC member charities fulfil the first criteria of peer review, a number of member charities do not fulfil the second criteria, mostly because their funds are not available via national competition.

Further information is available in the briefing and Q&A on NIHR partnership. Members can contact Dr Liz Philpots for additional advice.

Updated February 2010