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The Singapore Clinical Research Institution (SCRI) is an Academic Research Organisation with the goal of developing and strengthening the clinical research capacity of Singapore and the region. SCRI supports Singapore’s ability to design and conduct cutting-edge clinical research and increases support for clinicians who are doing research.
SCRI’s expertise includes protocol design and development, project and data management, site monitoring, data analysis, evidence synthesis, scientific publications and training. In addition, SCRI provides help with site management and provides coordinating centre functions for multisite, multinational studies and clinical research networks.
The mission is to develop the core capabilities, infrastructure and intellectual leadership required for clinical research. Core capabilities consist of the personnel and expertise required to conduct clinical research; infrastructure provides the organization, facilities and processes necessary to effectively support clinical research; and intellectual development is key to strengthening our leadership and credibility in the therapeutic and quantitative sciences.
Under the purview of the Ministry of Health Holdings, SCRI is an independent unit with the advantage of being able to foster collaborations with the various entities and institutions of government, education, and the public health care system in Singapore. Since 2008, SCRI has focused on developing clinical sites, clinical research delivery systems and scientific leadership. Major components of clinical research delivery systems include research networks and well-trained and motivated clinical research coordinators, clinical research administrators, project managers, clinician investigators and scientists. The objective is to raise the standards of clinical research and treatment evaluation in Singapore.
SCRI has the resources and expertise to provide high-quality, sustained support throughout the duration of a clinical study. This is particularly important for investigator-initiated studies where staff turnover or inadequate bandwidth may jeopardize the ability to perform the work. In a philosophical vein, SCRI sees itself not only as an expert collaborator, but an investor in human capital development and knowledge creation. This sets it apart from a commercial CRO, which would typically focus on providing service alone as a profitable enterprise.
SCRI assists in developing and producing high quality innovative research. Scientific merit and relevance are the most important criteria. If both are met, then SCRI will engage in studies ranging from proof-of-concept to medical experience, late phase and epidemiological studies. Throughout, SCRI will provide support for study design, development, execution, analysis and publication.
SCRI currently collaborates with Investigators in Singapore’s public health care system. We also collaborate with educational institutions, the Singapore government and private industry.
Costs depend on the scope and quantity of work taken on by SCRI. SCRI works closely with investigators to establish the roles that SCRI will play and to develop mutually-acceptable budgets commensurate with research requirements. These in turn will be included in the grant applications for study funding.
Yes, SCRI expertise will be included as part of the grant budget and the cost will be determined by the scope of work.
SCRI currently conducts over 30 studies in areas including but not limited to Oncology, Cardiology, Surgery, Psychiatry, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Nephrology.
SCRI works closely with the units on a project basis and also through the clinical research networks. Consultation clinics and training programmes are regularly conducted at the units with plans for further engagements to complement existing expertise.
There are a variety of ways in which SCRI can work with you ranging from full collaboration to advisory consultations, or SCRI can provide expertise in the areas of project management, data management, data analysis and training. SCRI will work with you to assess your needs on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us through our website at contact@scri.edu.sg. Upon our receipt of your request, we will receive a reply to you within 7 working days.
Yes, many of SCRI’s studies have multinational sites. SCRI works with investigators in Southeast Asia and beyond, including China, India, Japan, Korea, Pakistan and South Africa. For investigator-initiated studies in Singapore, the PI is typically Singapore-based.
Yes, SCRI staff are able to initiate their own research projects, be the PI in grant applications, and be the first author on publications.
SCRI encourages you to contact us as early as possible in the endeavour—ideally, during the conceptual phase of the research.
