The UK government’s August 4, 2025 update on clinical research makes notable progress in streamlining trial delivery via the UK Clinical Research Delivery (UKCRD) programme. Major highlights include:
- A bold target to reduce clinical trial setup times to 150 days or less, enabled by digitalisation, reduced bureaucracy, and standard contracts. Phase 1 deliverables were released in April 2025 and phase 2 in June 2025.
- The VPAG investment programme is enabling faster commercial trial delivery by establishing new Commercial Research Delivery Centres across the UK.
- A shift toward a “right research, right setting” model aims to move more studies into primary and community care, making research more accessible locally.
- The ‘proactive portfolio management’ approach is being adopted to enhance collaboration between NIHR and industry, including SMEs, with oversight via an Industry Advisory Group.
- The reforms build on previous commitments, with streamlined costing and contracting frameworks already completed across NHS England and devolved systems.
Read the full update from the Department of Health and Social Care here: Transforming the UK clinical research system: August 2025 update – GOV.UK