Health and Social Care Structures

Formed through a partnership of Scottish NHS Boards and the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government, NHS Research Scotland supports delivery of a range of high-quality studies across a spectrum of disease and clinical need. All research within Scotland lies within the remit of at least one Network or Specialty Group (SG). Topic Networks and Specialty Groups (SGs) are the key national bodies for supporting clinical research activity in Scotland. They act as the interface between the research community, the NHS and patients themselves, facilitating the development, set up and completion of clinical research studies across Scotland, improving the quantity and quality of research within their specific clinical area. Networks also work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including patients, carers, researchers, NHS, academic institutions, charities, healthcare delivery professionals and commercial organisations.