Welcome to the HRB Trials Methodology Research Network

The HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN) is a collaborative initiative between a number of Irish and international higher education institutes and methodology centers.

News

ICTMC 2026 Travel Bursary Award

HRB-TMRN are delighted to announce the award of a competitive bursary supporting attendance at the ICTMC 2026 Conference, recognising outstanding contribution and

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News

Celebrating 10 Years of Impact: Reflecting Our Journey

This year marks a decade of transformative funding from the Health Research Board (HRB), a milestone that we are honored to celebrate.

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News

Spring 2026 Edition HRB-TMRN Network Newsletter

The Spring 2026 edition of the HRB-TMNR Network Newsletter has officially arrived! Access latest edition here. Highlights include: – HRB –

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News

Trials Methodology Funding Success: University of Limerick Secures Funding to Develop Core Outcome Set for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.

Trials Methodology Funding Success: University of Limerick Secures Funding to Develop Core Outcome Set for Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Health Research Board –

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News

Discover the Future of PPI in Trials Methodology: Your Invitation to Explore “A Sense of Elsewhere”

Discover the Future of Clinical Trials: Your Invitation to Explore “A Sense of Elsewhere“ Discover our practical plan for enhancing patient

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News

Exploring the World of Trials Methodology: A New Podcast for PhD Students and Researchers

The world of Trials Methodology may seem complex and daunting, but thanks to the podcast hosted by Ella Howes (University of Leeds)

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What is the HRB-TMRN?

The HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network (HRB-TMRN) is a collaborative initiative between several Irish and international higher education institutes and methodology centres.

We want to strengthen the methodology and reporting of trials in health and social care in Ireland so that they become more relevant, accessible and influential for our community of patients and other service users, practitioners, policymakers and the public. This is achieved through a programme of work relating to the methodology of trials and focused on (i) support, (ii) training and education, (iii) research and innovation and (iv) Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement.

HRB-TMRN @hrbtmrn ·

23 Mar

Recruiting for clinical trials? Struggling with retention? There's a seminar for that. Join us, 26 May 2026 | 09:30 - O'Reilly Hall, UCD. Free to attend. Register now: https://tinyurl.com/3sbr39u5

@rare_trial @ICCCTN @UCDClinRes @UCDMedicine

HRB-TMRN @hrbtmrn ·

19 Mar

HBR-TMRN & @ICCCTN are hosting a Trial Steering Committee workshop at @MoLI_Museum, Dublin. Strengthen your role in clinical trial oversight:
-Understand TSC responsibilities
-Handle high-stakes scenarios
-Network with experts from Ireland & UK
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/trial-steering-committee-training-workshop-tickets-1976005538759?aff=oddtdtcreator

Our Expertise

Our Network is connected to over 70 national and international trials and trials methodology organisations. We are a partner within the MRC-NIHR-Trials Methodology Research Partnership in the UK. Our collaborations give us access to world leaders in trials methodology research.

Our trials methodology research expertise includes:

Studies within a Trial (SWAT)

A SWAT is an embedded methodology research study within a planned or ongoing trial. We have been involved in SWATS for over 10 years and were involved in the first registered SWAT and we provide annual competitive funding for SWATs. Our members are active in developing and implementing SWATs across a variety of clinical trials nationally and internationally.

Core Outcome Set Development

A core outcome set is agreed, standardised set of outcomes that should be measured and reported in all trials for a specific clinical area. We have been involved in developing core outcome sets across a range of clinical areas. We are proud to collaborate with the COMET Initiative in many of these.

Priority Setting

Priority Setting Partnerships (PSPs) enable clinicians, patients and carers to work together to identify and prioritise evidence uncertainties in particular areas of health and care that could be answered by research.We have led or contributed to research agenda setting across a range of trials methodology topics and also promoted the use of prioritisation setting across clinical trial areas nationally.

Qualitative Research in Trials Methodology

We have specialized expertise in qualitative research in our Qualitative Research in Trials Centre (@QUESTSCentre). Here a team of advisors with expertise in case study research, ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology and qualitative evidence synthesis are active in a wide range of trials methodology projects.

Latest Events

may 2026

26may9:00 am4:00 pmOptimising Recruitment and Retention in Clinical TrialsUniversity College Dublin

june 2026

04jun1:00 pm2:00 pmWebinar: Prof. Frances Shiely & Dr Adwoa Parker – Reducing barriers to SWAT adoption: practical recruitment and retention resources from PRESS

Event Details

Click here to register

Recruitment and retention challenges remain a major threat to the success, efficiency, and value of clinical trials. While Studies Within A Trial (SWATs) offer a robust way to evaluate trial process interventions, their uptake has been limited by a lack of practical, ready-to-use resources.

This webinar will present the PRESS (Protocols and Resources for Priority Recruitment and Retention SWATs) project, which has co-developed with PPI partners, a comprehensive, openly accessible suite of protocols and supporting materials to enable trial teams to embed high-priority recruitment and retention SWATs with confidence. Attendees will be introduced to the PRESS Master SWAT Protocol Template, a set of randomised recruitment and retention SWAT protocols, co-produced PPI-focused SWATs, and accompanying guidance on ethics, statistical analysis, health economics, accessibility, and funding applications.

The webinar will focus on how these resources can be used in practice to reduce barriers to SWAT adoption, accelerate evidence generation, and enhance trial efficiency.

Speaker:

Professor Frances Shiely is Professor of Clinical Trials at University College Cork (UCC), Director of Education at the HRB Clinical Research Facility, UCC, and UCC lead for the HRB Trials Methodology Research Network. Her work focuses on clinical trials methodology, particularly communication and the use of Studies Within A Trial (SWATs) to improve recruitment, retention, and trial efficiency, alongside the development of training and education for trialists and patient and public partners. She has led or co-led over €20 million in competitive research funding and is Founder and Director of Ireland’s MSc in Clinical Trials.

Dr Adwoa Parker is a UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Advanced Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of York, UK. As a trialist and trial methodologist, she leads the Trial Forge Studies Within A Trial (SWATs) Centre at the University of York. SWATs are self-contained studies embedded within host randomised trials, designed to generate robust evidence that improves the efficiency, design, and delivery of future clinical research. Adwoa’s 10-year NIHR Advanced Fellowship, ‘IMPLEMENT SWATs’, focuses on the intersection of implementation science and methodology to enhance evidence-informed participant recruitment and retention. Beyond her primary focus on trial methodology, her research interests encompass mental health trials, Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), and the advancement of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within clinical research. Adwoa is also the Fellowship Lead for the NIHR Research Support Service (RSS), delivered by University of York and Partners

Time

(Thursday) 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Calendar GoogleCal

08jun9:00 am5:00 pm10th Annual HRB-TMRN Symposium – Making Global Care Local: Innovations & Collaboration in Clinical TrialsSmock Alley Theatre, Templebar, Dublin

Event Details

A HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network Symposium hosted by the ICC-CTN
Location: Smock Alley Theatre, Templebar, Dublin

Date: 8th June 2026

Click here to register

Join us at Smock Alley Theatre on Monday, 8 June 2026 for the 10th Annual HRB-TMRN Trials Methodology Symposium, exploring how globally designed clinical trials can deliver meaningful impact at a local level.

Under the theme “Making Global Care Local: Innovations & Collaboration in Clinical Trials,” this year’s symposium brings together international leaders, early career researchers, and PPI contributors to examine the future of platform trials, the operational realities of complex international study designs, and the partnerships that make global trials work on the ground.

Hosted by HRB-TMRN in collaboration with UCD and in association with ICC-CTN, the day features a keynote from Prof. John Marshall, four themed sessions, panel discussions, and a dedicated spotlight on early career researchers. Whether you’re a trialist, methodologist, clinician, PhD student, or PPI partner, this symposium offers a full day of insight, dialogue, and connection.

09:00–09:20 — Registration & Tea/Coffee

09:20–10:00 — KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The Future of Platform Trials: global trends, efficiencies, and emergent trial designs – Prof. John Marshall, University of Toronto

Session 1: Lessons From Global Clinical Trials

10:00–10:20: Barriers and solutions to international platform trials – Dr. Danny McAuley, Queens University Belfast

10:20–10:40: Federation of platform trials – Dr. Neill Adhikari, University of Toronto

10:40–11:00: Health economics of international platform trials – Dr. Lisa Higgins, Monash University

Panel Discussion: Implementing Platform Trials Locally

11:00–12:00: Integrating global protocols into national systems – overcoming logistical and regulatory barriers. Q&A

12:00–13:00: Lunch & Networking

Session 2: Spotlight on Early Career Researchers (ECR)

13:00–13:15: The PANTHER trial early career researcher programme – Dr. Kiran Reddy, Queen’s University Belfast

13:15–13:30: Involvement in a platform trial as an ECR – Dr. Peter McGuigan, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast

13:30–14:10: TMRN PhD Students presentations

14:10–14:40: Panel Discussion

14:40–15:00: Refreshment Break

Session 3: Operationalising International / Complex Design Trials

15:00–15:15: Running a Study Within A Trial in a complex trial design – Dr. Heather O’Grady, McMaster University

15:15–15:30: Patient and Public Involvement in Platform Trials – Dr. Leanne Hays, University College Dublin

15:30–15:45: Data coordination, funding, regulation in platform trials – Mr. Paul Mouncey, UK Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre

15:45–16:00: Panel Discussion

Session 4: Collaboration With Global Partners

16:00–16:15: International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) –Dr. Luis Felipe Reyes

16:15–16:30: Built from the South: Infrastructure, Funding and Collaboration in Brazilian Critical Care Research – Dr. Israel Maia, Federal University of Santa Catarina

16:30–16:45: Curiosity, Humility & Democracy – Experiences of International Collaboration in Clinical Trials – Dr. Timo Tolppa, University of British Columbia

16:45–17:00: Panel Discussion

Closing Remarks & Next Steps

17:00–17:15: Reflection on key messages – Opportunities for collaboration & upcoming initiatives – Prof. Alistair Nichol, University College Dublin

CPD accredited: A total of 6.0 credits have been assigned to this event.

Please be aware that by attending this event you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose.

Time

(Monday) 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location

Smock Alley Theatre, Templebar, Dublin

Calendar GoogleCal

15jun(jun 15)9:00 am19(jun 19)5:00 pmBristol University – Understanding Trusted Research Environments (Online)Online

25jun9:00 am5:00 pmBristol University – Introduction to Data Collection in Research Studies (Online)Online

25jun1:00 pm2:00 pmWebinar: Dr Susan Fitzpatrick – Safety That Scales: Practical Clinical Safety Strategies for Early-Stage Biotechs

Event Details

Click here to register

Early-stage biotech companies face intense pressure to move quickly into the clinic, yet safety remains the most common source of critical findings, delays, and regulatory scrutiny in early trials. This webinar draws on practical experience supporting emerging sponsors and expands on themes from our white paper, Safety That Scales: Clinical Safety Strategies for Biotech Startups in Early Clinical Trials. We will demystify how drug safety operates in early-phase development, including the distinct roles of pharmacovigilance, medical monitoring, and risk management. Attendees will gain clarity on sponsor responsibilities, SAE and SUSAR reporting, safety governance models suitable for small organizations, and how to maintain effective CRO oversight. Through real-world case studies including first-in-human signal escalation and pre-inspection remediation we will highlight common pitfalls faced by academic spin-outs and first-time sponsors. Participants will leave with a practical safety readiness checklist and key questions leadership teams should be asking to build scalable, inspection-ready safety frameworks from day one.

Speaker:

Dr Susan Fitzpatrick is a Clinical Pharmacovigilance Consultant at Signal Pharma Experts, where she supports early-stage biotech and pharmaceutical companies in building scalable, inspection-ready clinical safety frameworks. With over 10 years of experience in preclinical and clinical development, she specializes in patient safety across first-in-human and later-phase trials. Susan has guided clinical programs from study start-up through close-out and regulatory submission, with expertise in SAE and adverse event management, safety data review, signal detection, risk mitigation, and preparation of key safety documents including Investigator’s Brochures and safety management plans. She also supports inspection readiness and serves as a subject matter expert during audits and regulatory inspections. She holds a BSc (Honours) in Pharmacology and a PhD in Medical Science from University College Dublin.

Time

(Thursday) 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Calendar GoogleCal

30jun10:00 am11:30 amIn-person Workshop: Dr Victoria Shepherd – Navigating capacity and consent challenges to support inclusion in research: key lessons from CONSULTUniversity of Limerick

Event Details

To register, CLICK HERE

This 90-minute workshop explores the ethical and practical challenges of including adults who lack capacity to consent in clinical trials. The session will be delivered by Dr Victoria Shepherd, Principal Research Fellow and registered nurse based in the Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University who leads methodological research aimed at improving the inclusion of under-served populations in research, particularly in settings where traditional informed consent processes may be difficult.

Drawing on extensive experience in clinical trials and methodological research, the workshop will present learning from CONSULT, a NIHR Advanced Fellowship project, funded by Health and Care Research Wales that developed and tested a decision-support tool to help family members or legal representatives decide whether adults who lack the capacity to consent should take part in research. The session will also highlight current guidance, tools and methodological approaches developed to support researchers working with populations who may have impaired capacity to consent.

The workshop is suitable for PhD and postgraduate students, research staff and clinical trial recruiters, study principal investigators, and anyone with a broader interest in improving inclusion in clinical trials.

Date & Time

30th June, 10:00 – 11:30

Location

The Pavilion, University of Limerick

Speaker

Dr Victoria Shepherd, Cardiff University

Time

(Tuesday) 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Location

The Pavilion, North Campus, University of Limerick, V94 F7XW

Calendar GoogleCal

july 2026

13jul(jul 13)9:00 am17(jul 17)5:00 pmBristol University – Designing and Conducting Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trials (Online)Online

september 2026

14sep(sep 14)9:00 am17(sep 17)5:00 pmInternational Clinical Trials Methodology Conference 2026

24sep1:00 pm2:00 pmWebinar: Prof. Alistair Nichol – Lessons from running a global adaptive platform trial

october 2026

08oct2:00 pm3:00 pmWebinar: Prof. Lehana Thabane – Getting Pilot and Feasibility Studies Right: Design, Analysis, and Reporting

Our Ethos

Collaboration & innovation

We work collaboratively and innovatively. Our doors are always open to new ideas in Trials methodology.

Inclusion

Involvement of all key stakeholders including patients and the public is central to what we do. This helps us ensure our work will matter most and achieve impact.

Capacity

Capacity-building is central to all our work. This is essential to provide opportunity, invigorate perspective and build our research future.

Our Network operates across five University Partners,
each leading the way in trials methodology research and training

Welcome to the HRB Trials Methodology Research Network

What is the HRB-TMRN?

Our Expertise

Studies within a Trial (SWAT)

Core Outcome Set Development

Priority Setting

Qualitative Research in Trials Methodology

Latest Events

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A HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network Symposium hosted by the ICC-CTN Location: Smock Alley Theatre, Templebar, Dublin

Date: 8th June 2026

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Our Ethos

Collaboration & innovation

Inclusion

Capacity

About

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A HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network Symposium hosted by the ICC-CTN
Location: Smock Alley Theatre, Templebar, Dublin