RCN Research and Development Co-ordinating Centre
The RCN Research and Development (R&D) Co-ordinating centre works in partnership with the RCN Research Society and other key stakeholders to promote excellence in care through research and development in the UK and internationally.
Our aim is to increase the capacity and capability of nurses working in research, and to support members' research activities through our main areas of work: policy, networking and dissemination.
Join our weekly eBulletin
Make sure you get all the latest on R&D developments by signing up for our weekly e-bulletin. Go to the News and Events page to see examples of previous buletins, or sign up here.
Latest news
Here are some of the current key research developments.
2010 International Nursing Research conference
10 - 12 May 2010, The Sage Gateshead, Newcastle Gateshead, North East England, UK
The annual showcase conference of the RCN Research Society will present knowledge from the leading edge of nursing research. Find out more about the event on the 2010 annual conference section.
RCN Study of Nursing Care series
This groundbreaking series was commissioned by the then Department of Health and Social Services in England, and produced 12 reports, an introduction and a conclusion. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the RCN Research Society under the auspices of the RCN, this series has been digitised and are available to download as PDF files.
Competency Framework for Clinical Research Nurses
This document (published Dec 08) offers a process through which CRNs can demonstrate the acquisition and application of the knowledge and skills required by CRNs. The Framework has been designed to be as flexible and practical as possible and the Working Group is keen to learn about the experiences of those who implement the Framework. A PDF and MS Word version are available on the Competencies homepage.
Academic institutions and their research interests
This database, comprehensively updated July - September 2008 includes:
- contact details of the lead person for R&D within academic institutions
- special areas of research activity within academic institutions
- links to the R&D web pages (where available) of the UK academic institutions that offer a health-related course
There are now 69 academic institutions listed - is yours? Find out on the academic institutions homepage
Annual awards from the RCN Research Society
Details of the 2010 Akinsanya Award for Innovation in Doctoral Studies and the Marjorie Simpson New Researchers' Award can now be found on the awards section of the RCN Research Society
RCN Research and Development: towards a strategy
In July 2007 RCN Council agreed in principle six strategic recommendations for research within the RCN. Get a copy of the report: go to RCN research and development - towards a strategy.
How can I get my work published?
Pick up some tips and advice on how to get your work published and search through our comprehensive list of journals and electronic databases to find a publisher. Go to the disseminating your research section.
Latest Research Society publications
The latest Research Society publications include: Research ethics (2009); competency framework for clinical research nurses (2009); User involvement (2007); Informed consent (2005). All of our publications can be viewed and downloaded as PDFs. Go to the Publications and position statement section.
Get involved
Join the Research Society and get involved with a research network in your area. Find out more on the Regional networking page.
Contact us
We are always striving to improve this service. If there is something you can't find or if you would like to pass on your comments about the website email David O'Carroll at: david.ocarroll@rcn.org.uk