Health Research Institute Clinical Research Support Unit Limerick

The Health Research Institute Clinical Research Support Unit (HRI CRSU) was established in 2014 as an integral part of the HRI to support HRI members in the conduct of clinical research projects.

The HRI CRSU took up residence in its new home in the Clinical Education Research Centre (CERC) Building in January 2017. This multi-storey structure provides dedicated space for clinical research and offers first-class facilities in the form of an auditorium, medical library, research staff offices and much more. There are clinical rooms devoted entirely to ensuring that patient visits and experiences during clinical studies are as comfortable as possible. Access to hot desks and boardrooms for HRI members has enabled many clinician–academic engagements.

The CRSU maximises the impact of the research activities of the HRI by establishing partnerships with other institutions locally, nationally and internationally. Such partnerships include industry, philanthropic trusts, other academic institutions and healthcare providers, whether hospital or primary community care based.  The CRSU serves as the coordinating unit for University of Limerick (UL) led studies, single site or multi-site. In cases where UL is part of a multi-site project but is not the lead site, the CRSU acts as the link for the lead site, to engage with UL researchers and clinicians.

The CRSU facilitates researchers in the conduct and successful delivery of high quality impactful clinical research through the support of a highly experienced nursing team. All our nurses have the relevant training and experience to support PI’s in the conduct of their research, ensuring compliance with ICH GCP E6 R2 and relevant legislation. Specific CRSU supports include:

Research nursing support

Clinical trial management

Protocol development

Advice on ethical and regulatory submissions

Biospecimen collection and processing

Support for funding application preparation

Biostatistical support on study design and analysis

Access to clinical specialists and networks

HRI CRSU activities involving University of Limerick Hospitals staff is conducted through a sub-unit, the University of Limerick/UL Hospitals Clinical Research Unit (CRU).  The UL/UL Hospitals CRU is a jointly governed and resourced unit established to promote clinical research among UL academic staff and UL Hospitals staff based in the CERC building.

For more information contact: Marie-Thérèse Hayes, HRI Clinical Operations Manager by email: MarieTherese.Hayes@ul.ie