Our specialist staff and committees can help inform and shape the development of new research approaches and resources so that they can be taken forward safely and ethically, earning public confidence. This means world-leading research initiatives can be undertaken in the UK, bringing innovative new treatments to patients faster. We’re now working to realise the potential of data-driven technologies and AI.
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Dr Rubeta Matin, Consultant Dermatologist Chair of AI Working Party Group (British Association of Dermatologists)'The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) encourages the development and deployment of safe, fair, equitable and transparent AI technologies to deliver high quality patient-centred care for all skin diseases.
'The HRA is innovating its approach and has supported the BAD to ensure that new AI technologies are developed using robust methods and high-quality research. We are working with the HRA to make sure the steps that developers should be taking are clear and ensuring that patients are partners in the research so that they have confidence that their health data are being used safely, ethically and legally to build technologies that will benefit us all.'
The creation of UK Biobank
UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource, containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants. This openly accessible research resource helps the global research community to make scientific discoveries that improve public health.
Dr Tim Sprosen, Director of early stage clinical trials at the University of Sheffield, Chief Scientist at UK Biobank from 2004 to 2011, and now Chair of Sheffield REC'The whole process of engagement with the HRA’s specialist Research Ethics Committees was really helpful in the development of UK Biobank.'
Establishing Genomics England
The 100,000 genomes project combined genomic sequence data with medical records to create a ground-breaking research resource. We worked closely with Genomics England to ensure that proportionate regulatory policies and processes allow researchers to safely and ethically access data and tissue for their studies, protecting the patients and their families.
Fiona Maleady-Crowe, Head of Ethics at Genomics England'The HRA has been instrumental in the success of the 100,000 Genomes Project, and in ensuring that Genomics England have been able to deliver their aims ethically, and in line with regulatory guidelines. Being able to discuss issues and seek advice from the HRA has ensured that questions related to ethical concerns have been answered.'
Accelerating the use of adaptive trials
Adaptive trials – also known as Complex Innovative Design trials (CID) - allow researchers to test multiple research questions in one trial, speeding up the process to improve treatments for patients. The HRA contributed to the development of consensus recommendations for these trials, making sure they’re set up with public confidence. During the COVID-19 pandemic our agile expedited review process meant these trials could be set up and amended at pace, with new drug and treatment combinations generating valuable data to help to prevent, diagnose and treat coronavirus infections.
Ready for the future of research - streamlining data driven research
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies offer huge potential for health and social care. We’re improving the way that we review research involving AI and data driven technologies to ensure its always effectively regulated – that its done legally, ethically and in the public interest. We’re working with partners to make the review pathways for AI and data driven technologies more effective and efficient – including supporting the implementation of a coordinated review for medical devices. We’re also looking at how we can work with partners to support access to data and ensure that appropriate safeguards are still maintained to protect health data on behalf of patients and the public.
- good for researchers – streamlining the system to make it easier to do research using AI and data driven technologies
- good for patients – focusing on the key issues that must be considered to protect and promote the interests of people taking part in research using AI and data driven technologies so that people can confidently take part in this research