UKCRD news

This page features news and case studies that demonstrate how UKCRD efforts are helping to make the UK a world leader in clinical trials​.

UKCRD publishes a monthly newsletter that summarises recent news, announcements, guidance, and updates.

ABPI Competitiveness Report 2026: Green Shoots for UK Life Sciences Investment

The ABPI’s 2026 flagship Competitiveness Report confirms that sustained collaboration between government, the NHS, and industry is reversing recent trends and delivering "green shoots" for UK life sciences.

Streamlined IRAS process for Be Part of Research

The IRAS process for adding the NIHR’s Be Part of Research volunteer registry as a recruitment/referral route has been significantly simplified and streamlined, including for studies already open for recruitment.

New guidance to support embedding research in the NHS

NHS England have published two documents to support NHS organisations undertake research and meet the requirements of the Medium Term Planning Framework.

World-First Trial of Fridge-Free Vaccine shows encouraging results

A UK-led Phase I trial has delivered encouraging results for a world-first fridge-free tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (SPVX02) that remains stable without refrigeration.

World-first lupus trial in the UK delivers life-changing CAR-T therapy

The UK has become the first country in the world to recruit patients into a new Phase II clinical trial for a groundbreaking systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) treatment.

NIHR Research Workforce Update for England

The Research Workforce Update for England has been published, it sets out how NIHR and partners are strengthening research careers to drive improvements in health and social care and deliver economic growth.