Edinburgh Clinical Trial Pathway

The Edinburgh Clinical Trial Pathways is a collaborative framework of partners to streamline the development and execution of clinical trials in Edinburgh.

The clinical trial pathway is designed to support investigators through a comprehensive network of specialised stakeholders. Each entity plays a crucial role in ensuring the progression of a trial from conceptualisation to completion.

The Academic and Clinical Central Office for Research and Development (ACCORD) provides research governance and regulatory oversight, ensuring that all trials meet ethical standards and comply with legal requirements, and helping to navigate through the complexities of research governance.

The Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU) offers expertise in trial design, management, and analysis. ECTU works closely with investigators to develop robust study protocols, manage data, and conduct statistical analyses, ensuring scientific rigor and integrity.

Clinical trials requiring dedicated facilities can benefit from the Clinical Research Facility (CRF), which provides state-of-the-art clinical environments, specialised equipment, and trained staff to conduct a variety of clinical studies.

The Edinburgh Research Office (ERO) facilitates funding and grant applications, providing advice on financial aspects, and ensuring compliance with funding bodies’ stipulations.

The CMVM Research Office provides additional support specific to the medical field, including accessing specialist resources..

This integrated support structure ensures that investigators are well-equipped and guided at every step of their clinical trial.

Clinical trial roadmap
Edinburgh Clinical Trial Pathway

Academic and Clinical Central Office for Research and Development (ACCORD)

ACCORD logo

ACCORD is a joint research office between the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian, combining strengths to support clinical research studies. The joint office supports every stage of clinical research, from navigating research approvals to ensuring regulatory compliance and best practice, and provides streamlined access to expert advice, regulatory support, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

ACCORD website

Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU)

ECTU logo

The Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit (ECTU), guided by the University of Edinburgh's Clinical Trials Strategy and overall Research Strategies, focuses on its core expertise to develop, design, and deliver world-class clinical trials. ECTU offers comprehensive support through all stages of a clinical trial, from planning to delivery and reporting, and also provides assistance for other types of research designs. 

Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit website

Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility (CRF)

Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility buildings

The Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility offers advanced, state-of-the-art facilities to support multidisciplinary clinical research.

Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility website

Edinburgh Research Office (ERO)

ERO

The Edinburgh Research Office provides support with pre-award costings and approvals, and post-award financial management. 

Edinburgh Research Office website

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM)

UoE CMVM banner

The College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Research Office supports the College's research community, including the clinical trial pathway. The Research Office helps coordinate the Clinical Trials Oversight Group (CTOG).

CMVM Research Office website