- Home
-
Learn, develop, connect
-
Membership
RQA Community Hub
Join the community - networking, discussion and more. Open to all.
More information -
Knowledge Hub
Contribute to Quasar Magazine
Could you write an interesting article for the RQA community?
More information -
About us
Who are RQA
The Research Quality Association (RQA) is a professional membership body dedicated to informing and advancing its members. We provide status and visibility for individuals engaged in the quality of research concerning pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, chemicals and medical devices. Since our inception in 1977, the Association has increased and evolved to reflect regulatory changes, the growing impact of regulatory inspection and the ever-changing structure and needs of industry. RQA's purpose is to drive quality and integrity in scientific research.
Our vision
To inspire quality, integrity and compliance in scientific research.
Our mission
To provide knowledge and learning in the scientific research community by building expertise through training, communication, engagement and collaboration.
Newsletter
Sign up to the latest news and events.Latest News
View all newsEMA - New guidance for HMA-EMA Catalogues of real-world data sources and studies published
We are pleased to inform you about the publication of new guidance that provide valuable insights on best practices for the users of the HMA-EMA Catalogues of real-world data sources and studies (RWD Catalogues): Good practice guide - provides regulators, researchers and other stakeholders with recommendations on effectively using the Catalogues to identify and assess the suitability of data sources for studies on the use, safety, and effectiveness of medicines. The guide underwent public consultation and has been adopted by the Methodology Working Party and the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP). A new user guide - primarily aimed at users creating data records in the Catalogues, this guide includes detailed instructions on submitting and maintaining records, along with descriptions of the metadata fields. Updated list of metadata elements - includes an improved description of data sources and study records based on users’ feedback. The RWD Catalogues, which were launched a year ago, enhance transparency and access to real-world data for research and regulatory purposes. They serve two key roles: Open access resource: the Catalogues allow for the pre-registration of RWD studies in Europe and beyond, promoting transparency and reproducibility. Data sources hub: they act as a central resource for regulators, companies, and researchers to identify suitable data sources to investigate the use, safety, and effectiveness of medicines. Since their launch in February 2024, the Catalogues have steadily grown, now featuring 3053 registered studies and 246 data sources. Researchers can add information about their studies in the Catalogues following this link: Catalogue of RWD studies. Data holders can add information about their data source in the Catalogues following this link: Catalogue of RWD sources. More information: Real-world evidence | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Read moreEMA - Clinical Trials Highlights April 2025
Updates on the ACT EU initiative, CTIS and the clinical trials landscape in the EU
Read more