What are Protocol Development Groups (PDGs)?
Protocol Development Groups bring together researchers and clinicians with a shared interest in a specific topic and focus on the production of high quality, fundable research proposals. The network provides methodological and funding support and monitors the progress of the PDGs.
Why Apply for a PDG
Applications for Protocol Development Groups are now open.
The SMHRN is funded by the Chief Scientist Office to support high quality research in mental health in Scotland. One of the networks aims is to encourage more Scottish led studies.
The aim of Protocol Development groups is to bring together researchers and clinicians with a shared interest in a specific topic and focus on the production of high quality, fundable research proposals.
Funds of up to £5,000 are available for each group to support protocol development activities. This financial support can cover up to an 18-month period and it is expected that groups will then continue in their area of interest.
Group Composition
Groups will normally draw members from more than one institution and include members with research experience relevant to the topic under consideration. Membership or involvement of service users is encouraged. Membership would be open to Welsh, Northern Irish and English researchers but the protocols developed should be for Scottish-led studies.
Support Available from the Network
- Financial support to cover travel and meeting costs, or other protocol development activities.
- Administrative support to set up and service the meetings.
- Methodological support from Network staff by attendance at meetings as well as remote assistance.
- Notification of relevant funding calls and opportunities.
Outcomes Expected
PDGs are expected to submit at least one application to a major research funder within 18-months of the PDG award. The Network will discuss and agree intermediate milestones with each group.
How to Apply
Applications are now closed. Our next call will be Spring 2012. Meantime, if you are interested in joining one of our Protocol Development Groups, please email SMHRN Administrator Lisa Martin. or phone 0131 537 6542.
Applications are independently reviewed.
To avoid multiple applications for single topics please liaise with other interested parties locally and nationally. The Network is happy to facilitate this just call us on 0131 537 6542 or email us with your potential topics of interest and we will put you in touch with others on our Register of Interest.
PDGs funded in 2011:
| Lead | Research Area |
|---|---|
| Deborah Wake | Neuro-Psychiatric Disease in diabetes |
| Ross Hamilton | Non-pharmacological interventions to address weight gain in schizophrenia |
| Hamish McLeod | Targeting of Psychological Treatments in Psychosis (ToPTiP) |
| Jonathan Cavanagh | Comparing biomarkers of stress and allostatic load in medically ill populations with and without MDD |
| * Nundita Reetoo | Ethnicity and mental health |
The Network is funded by the CSO and works in close association with the following:
