Research Bulletin - February 2022 (Issue 72)
 

Updates to Scotland’s Coronavirus (COVID-19): Scotland's Strategic Framework in February recognised extraordinary advances in science and technology over the past two years, enabling a more sustainable response to the virus. Research in Scotland has been a vital part of the response, and we continue to support research to improve understanding of the virus. Just this month the latest SIREN paper on prior infection with COVID-19 has been released in the New England Journal of Medicine; new booster studies prepare to open, and PANORAMIC – a world-first study investigating the effectiveness of new oral antiviral treatments which can be safely taken at home – is open across the UK. 

In addition to trials, strengthening the research environment is vital. The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery, sets out the ambition to create a patient-centred, pro-innovation and data-enabled clinical research environment. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also now launched an 8-week public consultation on proposals for legislative changes for clinical trials which aim to streamline the regulation of clinical trials approvals, enable innovation, enhance clinical trials transparency, enable greater risk proportionality, and promote patient and public involvement in clinical trials. 

Also this month, the NCRI Children's Group has launched a survey to support input to their strategy, a landmark census has provided insight into the research nurse and midwife workforce; the UKCRF Network Annual Conference has announced an in-person conference for July; the NIHR Evidence Synthesis Programme is now accepting applications; a symposium on Scottish Transplantation Research has taken place; a new introductory course in Medical Statistics has been launched; and the NRS Pain/SPaRc Steering Committee has a vacancy for an ECR or trainee healthcare professional;

A range of studies funded by Chief Scientist Office have also published this month including a qualitative study into the effects of Minimum Unit Pricing; feasibility studies investigating the use of Pravastin for the prevention of preterm delivery and the effectiveness of laparoscopic treatment for managing chronic pelvic pain. A team from Edinburgh Napier University have also reported on childhood adversities and their subsequent impact on mental health and suicidal behaviour (CHASe) and a team from Glasgow University on a personalised memory aid app for use in brain injury rehabilitation. 

We hope you find this issue useful and as always, your ideas, feedback and contributions are welcome.