The Research Incentive Scheme (RIS) was established in 2010 and, over the years, has proved a very popular initiative. After consultation, a new simplified national framework has been developed to replace the initial scheme and build on previous years’ success.

What can you gain?

Your local CRN team is on hand to offer advice and assistance. Research facilitators can assist with running practice searches. Our CRN research nurses can assist with some study recruitment clinics; others, with remuneration via service support costs, can be run by your own practice nurse.

Remuneration is on a sliding scale, depending on the level of involvement and number of studies a practice has recruited to.

New for 2015-16

Whilst the basic requirements required of practices e.g. becoming research ready, attending an annual symposium etc., and the level of support and assistance offered by the CRN West Midlands team have not changed, the study recruitment gateways for the RIS levels have been adjusted. The revised framework, now comprises three simplified levels:

Introductory level: recruitment to one study

Delivery Site Level 1: recruitment up to two studies

Delivery Site Level 2: recruitment up to four studies

This year we are offering places to a total of 75 GP practices. If your practice has not been approached, and you would like either to be considered for inclusion in the RIS scheme at some point, to find out more information about primary care research, or to register your interest in taking part in research studies, please contact the research facilitator for your area:

 Pharmacy Involvement

For the first time, we are seeking outline expressions of interest from pharmacies who might like to know about studies available and to find out more about research in general.

If you would like further information, or for an informal discussion, please contact: Sue Elwell, research manager, s.elwell@warwick.ac.uk or phone 02476 575854