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Integrated Research Application System (IRAS)

The Integrated Research Application System (IRAS) is a single online system for applying for permissions and approvals for health and social care/community research in the UK.
It streamlines the process for seeking relevant approvals, as researchers no longer need to enter the details for a single project in separate application forms. 
 
IRAS can be accessed at www.myresearchproject.org.uk.

Since 1 April 2009, all applications to NHS Research Ethics Committees are made using IRAS.

Where application forms for ethical review were completed in the NRES form system or using the prior paper-based systems, IRAS includes the facility to create a minimal dataset in IRAS. This contains sufficient information to create new SSI Forms, notices of substantial amendment and ARSAC forms.

Integrated Research Application System

IRAS logo


Clinical trials of investigational medicinal products (CTIMPs)

Since 2009, all the data required to make an application to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for authorisation of a clinical trial of an investigational medicinal product (IMP) can be completed within IRAS.
 
Through IRAS, all the information about a study can now be entered in one place and researchers need only to go to EudraCT to obtain their EudraCT number.
 
Additionally, it is possible to generate the application form to the MHRA in the appropriate formats directly from IRAS.

Help with completing the application form

IRAS contains extensive guidance to support researchers in completing their application form, including question specific guidance that can be accessed by clicking the
IRAS Info Icon
buttons alongside a question.  The Help page contains links to guidance, FAQs, a quick guide to using IRAS, an index to IRAS forms and questions, example application forms, and question-specific guidance. 
 
New users are strongly advised to use the free e-learning module has to familiarise themselves with the application process, layout, functionality and navigation available in IRAS.