I am delighted to announce the upcoming launch of our new Joint Research Office (JRO) website, a collaborative platform designed to support and enhance the efforts of those managing and undertaking translational and clinical research at King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. The JRO website is a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, efficiency, and professional growth.
Communication & Culture
We believe that open, transparent, and frequent communication is key to successful collaboration and productivity. Robust communication and a positive, proactive culture will underpin all our programmes of work. The JRO will serve as a central hub where researchers, clinicians, and research managers and their teams can share ideas, discuss challenges, create solutions, and celebrate successes. Regular meetings, newsletters, and forums will ensure that everyone stays informed and engaged.
Professional Development Programmes
We understand the importance of continuous professional development. Our website will feature a range of professional development programmes tailored to enhance skills and knowledge. These programmes will include workshops, seminars, and training sessions designed to enable all involved in the initiation and delivery of research to understand their role and responsibilities. Look out for our new Peer Exchange Programme that will be launching soon designed to share best practice across the two organisations. Whether experienced or new to the field, there will be opportunities to grow and excel.
Efficiency Programmes
Following an extensive review of data including past and present case studies, and discussions with both the research management and research communities to identify key areas to streamline our research processes and improve efficiency, we are introducing three key programmes:
- Research Sponsorship: This programme will simplify the process of obtaining research sponsorship, ensuring that our projects receive the necessary support and funding promptly.
- Contracting: We are implementing more efficient contracting processes to reduce delays and ensure that all agreements are in place quickly and accurately.
- Research Management Systems: We will be exploring how we can better use our research management systems to improve communication, share vital information and provide a comprehensive platform for managing all aspects of translational and clinical research, from planning and execution to reporting and compliance.
As our journey continues, we will be introducing new efficiency programmes that will improve the research experience and accelerate the time taken from research initiation to impact. Watch this space for more details.
Spotlight on Our Research Management Teams
Our research management teams are the backbone of our JRO. The website will feature spotlight articles on these unsung heroes, highlighting their roles, achievements, and contributions to our research community. These features will give you an inside look at the people who make your research endeavours possible.
Innovative Efficiencies Accelerating Research
The JRO is committed to accelerating the initiation and delivery of translational and clinical research by creating innovative efficiencies that streamline the research experience for all. We will share success stories and case studies that demonstrate how our collaborative efforts have led to groundbreaking interventions being made available sooner to improve patient care.
The JRO Intranet
We are excited to introduce a dedicated intranet for those managing and undertaking translational and clinical research at King’s and Guy’s & St Thomas’. This intranet will be a valuable resource, providing (among other things):
- 'How to’ Guides: Step-by-step instructions on various research processes and procedures.
- A ‘Yellow Pages’ of Expertise and Support: A directory of experts and support services available to assist you with your research needs.
- Templates and SOPs: Standardised templates and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Dashboards: Interactive dashboards to track the progress of your research projects and access key metrics.
In conclusion, the establishment of our Joint Research Office website marks a new era of collaboration and innovation. We are excited about the opportunities this will bring and look forward to a future where coordinated expertise and shared resources accelerate scientific progress and address global challenges that make a real difference for all.
The JRO website will be launched in May 2025, and we encourage you to explore its features and make the most of the resources available.
Thank you for your continued support.
Very best wishes,
Lloyd
Director, Joint Research Office
King’s College London & Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust