NIHR update on 150-day study set-up
Date: 26 February 2026
The February update from NIHR in relation to the 150-day study set-up contains the latest news and information on NIHR workstreams to support clinical trial set-up times to 150-days or less, alongside shared learnings and best practice from across the research system.
NIHR February 2026 update on 150-day study set-up
Recent updates on the UKCRD website
A policy update was published on the UKCRD website on 9 February 2026 regarding a change to the eligibility criteria outlined by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for accessing Research Delivery Network (RDN) support. DHSC has updated these criteria to stipulate that studies must comply with national policy and central guidance, ensuring unnecessary duplication of processes is avoided to reduce time taken to set up studies and release capacity to support other research-related activity. National policies and guidance will be listed on the UKCRD website and may be updated from time to time. The full RDN Portfolio terms and conditions are available here.
Supporting clinical research in the NHS
Earlier this month, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Innovation and Safety Dr Zubir Ahmed sent a letter to NHS Chief Executives urging NHS trusts to prioritise clinical research to improve patient outcomes, attract global studies, and support economic growth. Trust boards must oversee research performance, resource R&D teams and follow national processes to meet the 150-day clinical trial set-up target, ensuring faster delivery, stronger capacity, and continued competitiveness.