Medical research over the past fifty years has evolved in a clearly definable direction. As the methods of research have been improved, perfected, and standardised there has been an increasing need for collaborative research efforts between many individuals with a correspondingly lower emphasis on individual clinical scientists working alone. This trend is clearly reflected in the policies and priorities of research funding and governance organisations across the world. A recent UK Government initiative has further underpinned this progress: The development of national research networks.
The SBNS has welcomed this initiative and is working closely with the Department of Health to forge networks based on regional geography and common research interests that will enhance our ability to pool resources, with a view to identifying and tackling pressing questions for the benefit of our patients. Several networks are evolving across the UK including
Each of these networks consists of a collaborative group of neurosurgical units with a total catchment population in the vicinity of 5 to 10 million. A discussion within the networks will identify high priorities for research projects and implement randomised protocols or other research methodologies either within the network region or in cases of rarer conditions requiring wider collaboration will seek to join forces with other networks.
The networks will be held together by regular meetings with all researchers within the network area. There will also be meetings of collaborators on specific research projects within network regions and without in cases where broader collaboration brings added value. The SBNS will assume a leading role in encouraging, supporting, and guiding the national neurosurgery research effort using existing structures and structures that will develop in response to coordinated effort. Individual networks are in the process of developing specific web pages at this site where research proposals, protocols, and ongoing work are made publicly available.