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When can the University sponsor a study?

  • The University of Ulster will consider sponsorship in principle for research involving the HSC / NHS as defined in the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research (2026) where:
  • The Chief Investigator is a substantive employee of the University
  • The research is conducted under the auspices of the University and not a commercial organisation
  • Any conflicts of interest, perceived or otherwise, are explained and resolved
  • The risks are considered as falling within the risk appetite profile of the University, for example, standard care is not withdrawn from research participants, risks can be reasonably mitigated and managed etc.
  • The research has been favourably peer reviewed and has completed its review by a Filter Committee and all comments have been suitably addressed
  • The research is not a clinical trial of a medicinal product (CTIMP)
  • The research is not a clinical trial of a medical device or an in vitro diagnostic device (includes application software and combination devices requiring regulatory oversight by MHRA)
  • The research is underpinned by appropriate financial arrangements and from acceptable sources

How do I request University sponsorship?

The Research Governance team will consider sponsorship on a case-by-case basis.

You should send the following documents for review:

  • RG3 (report from filter committee)
  • Pdf of your draft IRAS application form
  • Protocol
  • Site-specific agreements if ready (OID, mNCA etc)

During the review you may be asked for other documents (e.g. participant info sheet and consent form, risk assessment, etc)The sponsor review has 3 aims:

  1. To assess and arrange sponsorship, and allocate a Ulster University Research Governance reference number.
  2. To identify any issues with the IRAS application form that will hinder its submission or review by the approving bodies. (Note - this is a light-touch review and will not cover the same considerations as a peer or filter committee review).
  3. To help you identify which site-specific submission documents are required (if not already provided).The Research Governance team will keep you informed of progress and explain the next steps in the submission process.