Essential Resources for Primary Care Research

Curated links and guides for GP practices, sponsors and researchers. Everything you need in one place.

Getting Qualified

Free · Online

NIHR GCP Training

Good Clinical Practice training for all staff involved in clinical research. Free via NIHR Learn. Essential starting point for any research-active practice.

Go to NIHR GCP →
RCGP · Accreditation

RCGP Research Ready®

Demonstrates your practice is equipped to host clinical research. Attracts additional NIHR payments and signals readiness to commercial sponsors.

RCGP Research →
ICH · Guideline

ICH E6 GCP Guidelines

The international standard for clinical trial conduct. Essential reading for all principal investigators and sub-investigators.

Read the guideline →

Accessing Research Funding

NIHR · 2026/27

Wider Care Settings Funding

£15,000–£100,000 for GP practices to build research infrastructure. Applications via your Regional Research Delivery Network.

Find out more →
NIHR · Strategic

Strategic Funding 2026/27

Longer-term projects to strengthen research delivery systems. For PCNs, federations and collaborative applications.

NIHR RDN →
RCGP · Grants

RCGP Scientific Foundation Board

Research grants of up to £2,000 (Practitioner Allowance) for GPs undertaking research activity. Applications open twice yearly.

SFB Grants →

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

HRA · Tool

HRA Decision Tool

Is your project research or service evaluation? Use the HRA decision tool to find out — it determines whether you need REC approval.

HRA Decision Tool →
MHRA · Guidance

MHRA Clinical Trials Guidance

Regulatory guidance for clinical trials involving investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs) in the UK.

MHRA Guidance →
NIHR · Portal

IRAS — Integrated Research Application System

The single system for applying for permissions and approvals for health and social care research in the UK.

IRAS →

Guides on this site

What Is Primary Care Research?

A complete introduction to research in GP settings — types, funders, regulators and why it matters.

Read the guide

How to Set Up a GP Clinical Trial Site

Step-by-step from GCP training to NIHR registration to your first enrolled patient.

Read the guide

MHRA, HRA & REC Explained

Plain-English regulatory guide for GP practices delivering or hosting research.

Read the guide

Real World Evidence in Primary Care

Why GP data is the richest source of RWE in the NHS and how it shapes drug development.

Read the guide

Commercial Research in General Practice

What pharmaceutical and medtech sponsors need to know before partnering with GP practices.

Read the guide

Need more support?

The Primary Care Research Alliance supports GP practices and sponsors through every step of the research process.

Talk to PCRA →