From Bernie Pearson, Head of Approvals, HSC R&D Approvals Service
For over a decade, the HSC R&D Application Gateway has played a key role in coordinating and streamlining research applications across Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. Established in 2013 within the Western Health and Social Care Trust, the Gateway has served as a central hub for information and coordination - simplifying the approvals process through strong partnerships with HSC Trust R&D Offices and national co-ordinating centre counterparts across the UK. Following its incorporation into the HSC R&D Approvals Service within PHA R&D Division in 2023, the Gateway team has continued to provide a single point of contact for researchers ensuring that research studies could be initiated and delivered effectively across HSC Trusts.
The decision to formally step down the Gateway function on 30 June 2025 reflects wider strategic efforts to harmonise research approvals processes in line with the planned digital transformation of UK-wide research systems. From 1 July 2025, key elements of the Gateway’s remit will be integrated into the broader HSC R&D Approvals Service. This streamlined approach will maintain high standards of research governance support while enabling closer alignment with evolving UK-wide programmes of work.
Other functions previously managed by the Gateway have already been stood down in partnership with HSC R&D Offices, helping to reduce duplication and increase system efficiency.
The HSC R&D Division wishes to formally recognise and thank the Gateway team -past and present - for their contribution to research in Northern Ireland. The success of the Gateway has been underpinned by the team’s dedication, professionalism, and ability to foster strong, collaborative relationships across the research landscape. The HSC R&D Approvals Service will continue to build upon these achievements to support the delivery of high-quality, well-governed research.
More information about the processes for application and set-up of research in Northern Ireland is available on the HSC R&D Approvals Service webpage here: https://research.hscni.net/hsc-rd-approvals-service
For more information about the HSC R&D Approvals Service, please contact: research.approvals@hscni.net
Please note that the Research Gateway mailboxes (Research.Gateway@hscni.net and Research.Amendments@hscni.net) are no longer monitored.