The MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership began in June 2019 following funding awarded by the MRC-NIHR Methodology Research Programme. The Partnership is led by Professor Paula Williamson, previously chair of the MRC HTMR Network.
The TMRP brings together a number of networks, institutions and partners working in trials and trials methodology research.
The TMRP partner networks who will join the five Hubs within the MRC HTMR Network include:
- The Global Health Network (TGHN)
- Health Research Board – Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN)
- Health Data Research UK
- UKCRC Registered CTU Network
- UK Trial Managers’ Network (UK TMN)
In addition, groups from 25 universities are collaborating to offer doctoral training in trials methodology research. Together these studentships will form the new MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership PhD student cohort.
Eight working groups will specialise in specific areas relevant to trial methodology.
The TMRP offers an opportunity to build on the achievements of the MRC HTMR Network while exploring new collaborations and avenues to make continued progress in advancing trial methodology, developing capacity and further reducing research waste.
Environmental Sustainability
The MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership (TMRP) Greener Trials group actively promotes environmental sustainability in clinical research by developing tools to measure, manage, and reduce the carbon footprint of trials. Their initiatives include creating guidance for greener trial design, reducing travel emissions, and facilitating sustainable practices.
Key aspects of TMRP’s focus on environmental sustainability include:
- Greener Trials Group Initiatives: The TMRP Greener Trials subgroup provides a forum for sharing methods to reduce emissions, waste, and water use in clinical trials, aiming to embed sustainability from the design stage.
- Carbon Footprinting Tools: They are developing resources to help trialists quantify the environmental impact, specifically targeting “hotspots” in trial operations. You can access thes resources here.
- Sustainable Travel Guidelines: TMRP has introduced guidelines to reduce the carbon impact of essential business travel, requiring approval for flights and encouraging, where possible,, virtual, or lower-carbon alternatives.
- Collaboration: TMRP collaborates with Cancer Research UK – Cancer News, Greener NHS, and industry partners to align sustainability efforts across the research ecosystem.
- Strategic Focus: Efforts focus on implementing greener trial management, such as remote follow-ups and reducing energy consumption in laboratory investigations.
The TMRP aims to foster a cultural shift towards integrating environmental considerations into the core of medical research.
mrctmrpdtp.com 