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Research, Development and Innovation (RDI): research

Why research, development, and innovation matter 

There are several benefits to RDI:

  • Advancement of knowledge: Research enables healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of health determinants, diseases, and treatments. It keeps them updated with the latest scientific discoveries and evidence-based practices.
  • Healthcare systems’ sustainability: Innovative research leads to new technologies and methods that enhance healthcare delivery efficiency, reducing costs and resource use for a more sustainable system.
  • Improvements in patient care: Research identifies new diagnostic techniques and treatments, improving patient care and outcomes. Participation in research studies helps evaluate the effectiveness and safety of healthcare procedures and therapies.
  • Enhancements in patient safety: Research focuses on patient safety and quality improvement, investigating and developing strategies that enhance safety.
  • Attracting and retaining talent: NHS organisations involved in research attract skilled healthcare professionals. Research opportunities provide intellectually stimulating work and collaboration with experts.
  • Healthcare breakthroughs: Participation in research can lead to significant breakthroughs, such as new treatments and technologies, providing patients with access to cutting-edge care.
  • Collaborative partnerships: Research often involves collaboration with other healthcare institutions, universities, and industry partners, fostering interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and resource sharing.

See our:

  • Research, Development, and Innovation Strategy: The strategic principles and objectives guiding research and innovation activities in NHS Scotland.
  • Research, Development, and Innovation summary slides

NHS Research Scotland (NRS)

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is proud to be part of the NHS Research Scotland (NRS) network – a national collaboration that supports and promotes high-quality healthcare research across Scotland. 

What is NRS? 

NRS is a partnership between:

  • the Chief Scientist Office (CSO)
  • NHS Boards
  • Scotland’s universities

It provides infrastructure, coordination and strategic leadership, to ensure that research is:

  • embedded across the NHS
  • benefits patients, staff and communities.

How we work together 

Through NRS, NHS Ayrshire & Arran contributes to: 

  • national research delivery across priority areas 
  • specialty research groups including mental health, cardiovascular, diabetes and respiratory 
  • public involvement initiatives that ensure research is shaped by lived experience 
  • training and development for staff and researchers 

We also support the SHARE Biobank, enabling patients to register interest in:

  • participating in research
  • donating samples for ethically approved studies

Strategic alignment 

Our RDI Strategy 2023–2025 aligns with NRS priorities, including: 

  • Strengthening research culture 
  • Promoting equity and inclusion in research 
  • Supporting sustainable service transformation through innovation 

Learn more about NRS

Visit the NHS Research Scotland website to explore:

  • Research opportunities 
  • Public involvement groups 
  • Funding and training resources 
  • Industry partnerships

Research governance

Research governance in NHS Scotland ensures that all research activities meet high standards of:

  • quality
  • ethics
  • safety

It involves setting and maintaining standards to improve research quality, safeguard the public, and ensure that research is conducted responsibly and transparently.

Key principles of research governance

  • Ethical and scientific quality: Research must adhere to ethical guidelines and be scientifically sound. This includes following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, which prioritises the rights, safety, and well-being of research participants over the interests of science and society.
  • Good practice: All individuals involved in research must be qualified and trained to perform their tasks. Research should be conducted according to established protocols and regulatory requirements.
  • Patient safety and data protection: The rights of research participants to physical and mental integrity, privacy, and data protection are paramount. Research must comply with data protection regulations.
  • Continuous improvement: Research governance involves learning from adverse incidents and implementing strategies to prevent poor performance and misconduct.

Research governance in practice

NHS Scotland’s research governance framework applies to everyone involved in healthcare research, including:

  • chief investigators
  • healthcare professionals
  • researchers
  • support staff

This framework ensures that research is conducted ethically and efficiently, with a focus on improving patient care and healthcare systems.

Resources

NHS Ayrshire & Arran RDI Annual Reports

You can access RDI annual reports below:

Current projects

You can view details of our current projects below:

Research publications

View our latest list of research publications.

Regional RDI: Key Data in the Context of a Once for Scotland Approach

With a regional population of 369,360, our RDI Department is committed to delivering research that matters to the people of Ayrshire and Arran. 

Patients participating in healthcare research: 5,133 between Jan 2020- Oct 2024. 

Open Studies: Over 200 research projects in “open” status annually. 

Approval times: The core services are in full participation in NRSPCC approval process of national combined review time of 30 days. 

Dedicated research space: Clinical facilities are available 5 days per week at the Maxwell Suit for research activities. The Maxwell Suite facility comprises access to emergency equipment and A&E facilities, research equipment, storage facilities, hand washing and toilet facilities, a large waiting area, and a reception area. There is access to computer equipment, telephone, and photocopier, with close proximity to labs for lab work and storage of samples. Additionally, there is easy access to the Medical Records department, enabling convenient access to patient records. The facility is centrally located at Crosshouse Hospital, which has good public transport links, is close to the main reception, and has access to WRVS facilities.  

Most research- active specialties: Ageing, Anaesthesia, Cancer, Cardiovascular, Children, Critical Care, Dermatology, Diabetes, Ear, Norse and Throat, Gastroenterology, Haematology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Mental Health, Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders, Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders, Neuroprogressive and Dementia , Ophthalmology, Oral and Dental Health, Primary Care, Renal Disorders, Reproductive Health and Childbirth, Respiratory disorders, Stroke, Surgery, Trauma and Emergencies. 

University links: we work with different universities in the region, mainly Glasgow University and the University of West Scotland. 

Hospitals:  the two main hospitals are the University Hospital Ayr and University Hospital Crosshouse, along with eight additional facilities serving North, South, and East Ayrshire. University Hospital Ayr offers inpatient, day case, and outpatient services, including Vascular Surgery, Ophthalmology, and Audiology. University Hospital Crosshouse provides similar services and includes Paediatric inpatient services, the National Cochlear Implant Service, and the UNICEF-accredited Ayrshire Maternity Unit.  

NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (API) Scheme

The NIHR Associate PI Scheme is a nationally endorsed initiative designed to support health and care professionals in developing research skills and experience. It offers a six-month, in-work training opportunity that enables participants to contribute meaningfully to NIHR portfolio studies under the mentorship of a local Principal Investigator. 

Purpose and benefits 

The scheme aims to: 

  • Integrate research into clinical training 
  • Develop research-active professionals 
  • Promote engagement with NIHR portfolio studies 
  • Improve patient care through increased research participation 

Benefits include formal recognition via certification, enhanced career development, and acknowledgement in study publications. For study teams, the scheme improves data quality, recruitment, and trial delivery. Patients benefit from greater access to high-quality research. 

Ayrshire & Arran participation 

NHS Ayrshire & Arran has shown strong engagement with the scheme: 

  • 23 studies registered with Ayrshire & Arran as a participating site in 2025 
  • 10 current trainees actively involved 
  • 20 trainees have successfully completed the programme 

Distribution by site 

  • University Hospital Crosshouse: 18 studies, including GenOMICC, STARFISH, TRAITS 
  • University Hospital Ayr: 11 studies, including SUBCUT-HF II 
  • Ayr Hospital: 1 study (ABBRUPT) 
  • Ailsa Hospital, Ayrshire Central Hospital: 2 studies 

Distribution by specialty 

Trainees in Ayrshire & Arran have participated across a range of specialties, including: 

  • Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management 
  • Cardiovascular 
  • Critical Care 
  • Renal 
  • Reproductive Health and Childbirth 
  • Surgery 
  • Trauma and Emergency Care 

How to get involved 

Health and care professionals interested in joining the scheme must: 

  • be working on a study registered with the Associate PI Scheme 
  • commit to six months of active participation 
  • obtain approval from their local PI 

To apply or register a study, visit the NIHR Associate PI Scheme website. 

For further guidance, contact associatepischeme@nihr.ac.uk 

For more information, visit:

Research Mentorship Scheme

The Research Mentorship Scheme is a strategic initiative by NHS Ayrshire & Arran to build a sustainable research culture across clinical services. It supports health care workers in all professions in:

  • developing research capabilities
  • integrating evidence-based practice
  • contributing to innovation in healthcare

Purpose and objectives

The scheme aims to: 

  • equip staff with essential research skills 
  • foster collaboration between experienced and early-career researchers 
  • embed research into clinical practice 
  • promote lifelong learning and innovation 
  • advance equality, diversity and inclusion in research 

Programme structure 

The scheme offers a tiered pathway tailored to different levels of research experience: 

1. Mentoring (Introductory Level) 

  • Pairing junior staff with experienced researchers within their service or academic partners 
  • Includes shadowing, study plans, and access to training (supported by a £500 training fund) 
  • Group sessions on research governance and clinical trial implementation 
  • Support for grant writing 

2. Research Fellowship (Developing Level) 

  • One-year placement with weekly supervision from RDI and service mentors 
  • Fellows conduct research within their clinical area 
  • Training aligned with NIHR standards 

3. Associate PI Scheme (Intermediate Level) 

  • Participation in NIHR portfolio studies under local PI mentorship 
  • Open to healthcare professionals not in funded research roles 
  • Applications via NIHR Learn 

4. Academic Fellowships and Grants (Advanced Level) 

Support for applications to CSO, NIHR, British Academy, UKRI and others 

Includes feedback on proposals, costing support, and academic networking 

Implementation and timeline

Mentoring and Fellowship Streams annual cycle: 

  • Call for applications: 1 January to 1 February
  • Selection and matching: February to March
  • Programme start: 1 April 
  • API and Fellowship Applications: Open year-round, subject to funding timelines 

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) 

At NHS Ayrshire & Arran, we believe that research is most impactful when it reflects the voices, experiences and priorities of the people it serves.

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) is central to our research culture and strategy, ensuring that individuals, families and communities are active partners in shaping health research. 

Why PPIE matters 

PPIE enhances the relevance, quality and transparency of research. It helps us: 

  • identify research questions that matter to patients and communities 
  • design studies that are inclusive and accessible 
  • improve recruitment and retention 
  • disseminate findings in meaningful ways 
  • build trust and accountability in research 

 National and Regional PPIE resources 

  • NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research): Offering extensive resources for researchers and training opportunities to support public involvement.
  • NHS Research Scotland (NRS): Hosting annual PPI events and supporting networks such as ENRICH and Partners in Research. 
  • SHARE Biobank: A Scotland-wide register enabling public participation in research studies and sample donation for approved research. 

Free external training opportunities

We encourage staff, researchers, patients and members of the public to explore free online courses: 

Get involved in research

Whether you are a patient, carer, community member or healthcare professional, there are many ways to contribute: 

  • Join a research advisory group (to start in 2026) 
  • Co-design studies with researchers 
  • Participate in surveys or interviews 
  • Help review research proposals 
  • Share your lived experience 

To express interest or learn more, please contact the RDI team at randdprojectteam@aapct.scot.nhs.uk