A Call For Research On The Emerging Influenza Pandemic

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Swine Flu;  Public Health;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 23 Jun 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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A call for research on the emerging influenza pandemic is being launched by the NIHR as the World Health Organization (WHO) announces the move to pandemic phase 6. The research will provide evidence to influence ongoing health policy and practice.

As part of the collaborative effort into research concerning pandemic flu with MRC and Wellcome, the Director General for Research and Development at the Department of Health has asked the National Institute for Health Research to undertake a themed call for research that will inform policy and patient care in the current influenza pandemic. This call is being managed by the NIHR Evaluation, Trials, and Studies Coordinating Centre. It is limited to research that will have rapid practical benefit to the NHS and to NHS patients.

This call is not restricted to the remits of any individual research programme, and studies may be very varied in design. They will be assessed for scientific rigour and their ability to produce timely evidence for patients and the NHS. This research will have to be planned, funded and completed very quickly in order to make a difference during this pandemic. Because the research results are needed by the end of 2009, the usual timetable is being greatly shortened to reflect the urgency to the NHS. The deadline for the submission of proposals is Friday 26 June 2009.

Source
The National Institute for Health Research