Our trial portfolio includes over 100 Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products (CTIMP) and more than 25 early-phase studies such as gene and cell-based Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP). Continued investment from the Chief Scientist Office has strengthened our capacity to deliver innovative research and advanced therapies. 

Our Research and Development (R&D) department employs dedicated Research Nurse Facilitators who support feasibility and study set-up for commercial and non-commercial trials. The department also operates two separate specialist R&D streams – one for commercial studies and one for non-commercial studies – ensuring tailored oversight and efficient governance across both. Working closely with clinical research teams, we rapidly assess capability and capacity for ATMP delivery, identify suitable investigators, and progress studies efficiently through governance. 

Ninewells Hospital, one of Scotland’s largest teaching hospitals, hosts integrated research facilities in collaboration with the University of Dundee. With over 100 Principal Investigators across most clinical specialties, a large team of Clinical Research Nurses (CRNs), dedicated pharmacy support, a research imaging facility, and access to aseptic preparation suites, we are equipped to deliver complex interventional trials. Established systems support reliable decision-making and short study start-up timelines for both commercial and non-commercial sponsors. 

NHS Tayside’s diverse patient population includes access to community and secondary care settings in urban and rural areas. Robust NHS data infrastructure, combined with recruitment tools such as SHARE and multiple disease-specific pre-consented registries, enables rapid identification of eligible participants across rare and common conditions. 

Our clinical trial facilities support delivery across early- and late-phase studies. Recent Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC) investment has expanded ATMP capability, including additional CRNs, specialist pharmacy staff, clinical fellows, metabolic disease, neurology/dementia, cardiology, and respiratory medicine. Research physicians within the Clinical Research Facility provide ongoing medical oversight. The Clinical Research Imaging Facility offers immediate access to 3T MRI and high-resolution CT, with PET-CT and bone scanning available through NHS radiology. Strong links with ophthalmology, respiratory, echocardiography, and endoscopy provide rapid access to specialist assessments essential for safe, timely study delivery. 

Our core laboratory provides rapid processing across haematology, blood sciences, and virology. The Tayside Tissue Biorepository (TBR) supports compliant access to surgical resections, archival samples, and routinely collected tissue under the Human Tissue Act (2004). Dedicated aseptic capacity within Pharmacy supports CTIMP and Advanced Therapy Investigational Medicinal Products (ATIMP) preparation through experienced pharmacists and technicians, several undertaking advanced Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Assurance (PTQA) training. Collaboration with the University of Dundee provides additional facilities for cell handling, storage, and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) processing. 

NHS Tayside operates a multi-site research infrastructure, including the Clinical Research Centre at Ninewells Hospital, Children’s Clinical Research facilities at the Children’s Hospital, ATMP-ready Oncology and Haematology satellite units, and the Gannochy Suite at Perth Royal Infirmary supporting early-phase respiratory studies. This network is supported by approximately 40 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) CRN and dedicated administrative and data staff. Our teams adopt an agile approach to research delivery, working flexibly across sites and specialties to meet diverse study requirements. 

The organisation has substantial experience in chemotherapy and oncology research, with activity embedded within the integrated Cancer Centre. This enables close collaboration with specialist oncology services and immediate access to clinical expertise. Staff delivering ATMP and oncology trials are trained in Intermediate Life Support (ILS), with on-site access to senior medical cover and urgent care pathways, ensuring safe management of high-risk interventions. 

NHS Tayside maintains strong collaborative partnerships, including a formal memorandum of understanding with the University of Dundee through the Tayside Medical Science Centre (TASC). As the lead organisation for the NHS Research Scotland (NRS) East Node, we work closely with neighbouring Boards, enabling wider patient access to research across Tayside, Fife, and Forth Valley.