IMS Epidemiology carries out a broad range of research including studies and trials involving the selection, recruitment and testing (measurement) of large numbers of participants. The team works under the oversight of the Cambridge Epidemiology and Trials Unit (CETU).

The team’s main function is to manage the day-to-day operation of these projects. Research participant selection, recruitment and retention involves approaching participants directly using established IMS Epidemiology research databases and through liaison with a wide range of stakeholders to facilitate recruitment of participants into research studies. Stakeholders include GPs, NHS Trusts, NIHR Research Networks, pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, and employer.

An important part of the work of this team is to make sure that recruitment targets are met and that trends in recruitment rates are monitored, so so that we can maximise the number of participants recruited across all research projects.

The staff recruit participants in a consistent way, whilst engaging with the scientific programme leaders and other operational teams to implement and support the processes of data collection across sites. The team is responsible for monitoring each study in terms of its aims, rate of participant recruitment and completeness of outputs to ensure they remain on target. In addition, the team promotes efficiencies across all research studies by standardising the approach to study co-ordination.

The team supports PhD students and Career Development Fellows in their individual research studies, providing training, mentoring and support in study co-ordination. This ensures that ethical, governance and research management aspects are considered.

Team members

• Sylvaine Bruggraber – Senior Epidemiology Studies Manager 
• Nicola Kimber – Study Coordinator
• Emma Lachassseigne – Study Coordinator
• Steph Moore – Study Coordinator
• Richard Salisbury – Study Coordinator
• Tracy Ann Salisbury – Clinical Research Project Support Assistant
• Fiona Whittle – Study Manager
• Jenny Woolston – Study Coordinator