Research Practice Group - Group Information

Practical insight for real-world research environments

The Research Practice Group exists for professionals who care about doing research well, not simply compliantly.

We focus on the practical application of regulatory guidance and legislation across the research environment, interfacing with the relevant GxPs as required. In reality, research rarely sits neatly within a single framework. Clinical, academic and commercial contexts often overlap, and we aim to help make sense of those intersections in a proportionate and workable way.

Our purpose is to interpret expectations in a way that translates into everyday practice. We are here to support both RQA members and non-members. Good research practice strengthens the wider research community, and our remit reflects that.

Who are we?

We are knowledgeable, approachable professionals from varied backgrounds in both commercial and non-commercial environments. Our experience spans clinical research, academia and the wider GxP landscape, including GCP, GLP and GMP.

While our professional routes differ, we share a common interest: promoting practical solutions to implementing good research practice, particularly in environments where financial and human resources are limited.

Individual biographies provide further detail on the expertise within the group.

How we work

The core Research Practice Group meets every two months via teleconference or video call. These meetings are focused on discussing how best to support the research community, identifying emerging themes, and planning contributions such as conference sessions, written articles and guidance pieces.

These core meetings are not member forums. Instead, they are working sessions to shape how we provide value.

To ensure our work remains relevant, we actively encourage engagement through the RQA Hub. The Hub provides an open discussion space where members and non-members can:

Raise research practice questions
Share experiences and perspectives
Interact directly with SIG core team members
Engage with peers across different sectors

The Hub is free to join and open to both RQA members and non-members. The discussions that take place there directly inform how the Research Practice Group prioritises topics and develops resources.

What we offer

Accessible discussion and peer exchange via the RQA Hub
An open forum for dialogue that shapes our work and allows ongoing interaction with the core team and the wider community.
Responsive support for research practice queries
You can contact us with specific questions. Depending on the nature of the enquiry, responses may be provided by an individual member or collectively by the group.
Conference and publication contributions
We are regular contributors to the RQA Conference and to Quasar magazine, focusing on practical interpretation rather than abstract theory.
Standalone written resources
We are currently developing a series of standalone articles designed to provide clear, easily read resources on good research practice.

Who is this for?

This group is relevant for:

Research quality professionals
Clinical and academic research teams
Sponsors and research leaders
Organisations operating across multiple GxPs
Professionals seeking proportionate, practice-based interpretation of regulatory expectations

If you are looking for practical thinking, informed discussion and a route to engage with experienced peers, the Research Practice Group provides a constructive place to connect.