Introduction
The Academic Clinical Oncology and Radiobiology Research Network (ACORRN) was launched in 2005 to help revitalise radiotherapy (RT) and radiobiology (RB) research in the UK.
A 2003 National Cancer Research Institute RT and related RB Progress Review Group (PRG) reported on the state of RT and RB within the UK from which a number of priority research questions were derived. The UK academic community found that they were willing but not always able to respond to the research priorities identified due to a sub-critical mass of infrastructure and researchers, despite RT seeing one of the most rapid advances in technology and computerisation of any field of medicine.
In 2004 the PRG held a follow-up meeting, attended by representatives from the Department of Health, Medical Research Council and Cancer Research UK. This meeting identified the need for the creation of ACORRN to support the necessary infrastructure and build capacity to deliver an integrated research strategy. Funding was awarded in 2004, and a National Office was set up in 2005 to establish the network.
The National Office is based within The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester. It manages the daily running of the research network which involves responding to enquiries from the research community, arranging and servicing research meetings, attending conferences, maintaining an up-to-date website and working on operations to improve efficiency. The National Office is also involved in conducting national surveys and reports for the research community, the results of which are published in scientific journals as well as the ACORRN network.
This article will discuss the role of ACORRN within the RT and RB research community, as well as the functions and contributions of ACORRN working parties (WPs), research topic-specific networks (RTSNs) and the interactive website (www.acorrn.org).
Who is ACORRN?
ACORRN is currently the only existing UK institution which solely represents the interests of radiation oncology research. It has established itself as a positive face for radiation and is continually exceeding expectations by clearly addressing the recognised difficulties facing this research community.
ACORRN has been successful in engaging this multidisciplinary community as well as the entire spectrum of activities within RT and related RB research, and in so doing has provided a mechanism for the diverse groups to focus their activities. ACORRN is facilitating a sense of community that in turn will aid the regeneration of the field.
A fluid and dynamic structure, widely praised for its innovation, and continually supported by the whole research community, our mission statement is
ACORRN is a bold and exciting initiative which aims to harness the power of the radiotherapy and radiobiology research base in the UK and to create a world class coordinated network of researchers.
ACORRN has approximately 1,300 active members (as of March 2008) which include members from all continents. Our global and multidisciplinary members (clinical and laboratory based researchers) also offer cross-representation to various professional organisations.
ACORRN is working with the research community to increase RT/RB research outputs and outcomes by continually facilitating national networking. This networking is delivered through the development of
Four active WPs, which includes a Research Radiographer (RR) WP, with three further WPs in set up (see Appendix 1).
RTSNs and interest groups (see Appendix 2).
Interactive website—www.acorrn.org.
These active components are making excellent progress in coordinating effort, under the principle that divided we are at a sub-critical mass, but together we can be internationally competitive.
Working parties
The research radiographer working party
The RR WP was formed in 2005 to address the specific research and training needs of the RR community. Their main focus is to develop the network of RRs in the UK to
Support clinical and translational RT research
Prioritise research education and training throughout the UK
Develop RR led research proposals. The RR WP forms a cohesive group which has a powerful voice to speak to the funding bodies on behalf of radiographers.
Deliverables for the group have been identified as follows:
Further develop links with the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR)
Maintain a database of RR contacts for publication on the ACORRN website
Undertake consultation/mapping exercise of RR including a review of training
Provide a central focus for RR, by developing an interactive presence on the ACORRN website
Establish mechanisms for providing support and advice to radiographers, identify lead ACORRN-aware/active contact at each RT centre
Identify standards for research training (mandatory—ethics/advised—research methods)
Develop research training programmes for radiographers
Identify funding mechanisms for RR
Identify and progress key research areas for radiographers and areas for collaboration
Identify infrastructure requirements as part of wider ACORRN strategy
Develop templates for UK verification protocols
Achievements to date
The introduction of a research radiographer starter pack
Publication of an article ‘Gap Analysis of Role Definition and Training Needs for Therapeutic Research Radiographers in the UK’ in the British Journal of Radiology (BJR 2007; 80: 693–701).
A contact list of all radiographers interested in research has been compiled and is available on the website.
Radiographers have an active presence on the website Forum section. Currently questions are being posted weekly with a rapid turnaround on responses.
Advice and direction has been provided to RRs, via the consultation service.
Over a quarter of all members described their role at registration as RR or therapy radiographers.
The National Office undertook a national consultation on behalf of the RR WP entitled ‘National project led by Radiographers’. This exercise identified five main priority research areas; the main area of interest identified being Skin Care research. To progress this proposed Skin Care project Skin Care Group will be set up in 2008 to evolve the information and comments already received. This group aims to progress a skin care research question as a radiographer led initiative.
Current status
Business plan: the group is also writing a 5-year business strategy for the WP to focus priorities and ideas. This will be developed in parallel with the SCoR 5-year strategy to ensure added value and that there is no duplication of effort and to seek opportunities for collaboration.
Education—the group is continually identifying areas for training.
Strategy—a 5-year strategy template for all RT departments is being written.
Research—a research question in skin care after a national consultation is being pursued.
Targets
Cultural change—a cultural change is now needed within research.
Networking—create a network for sharing information.
Grant application—progress the skin care research question and submit a grant application.
Further information on the RR WP can be found in Appendix 1.
Other working parties
Other WPs include Nurses in Radiotherapy, Radiation Biology and, Physics. WPs currently in set up are Tissue Banking, Surgeons in RT and, Clinical Research Fellows. This list is not exhaustive.
Further information on these WPs can be found in Appendix 2 and on the ACORRN website.
Research topic-specific networks and interest groups
ACORRN has planned RTSNs and Research Collaborations, along with WPs to fuel research expansion in the community. These networks are key to the strategic development of RT and related RB research in the UK. ACORRN provides travel money to meetings, organises and services the meetings as well as helps with writing the grant application. Details of key groups can be found in Appendix II and on the ACORRN website.
Summary of website activity
The ACORRN website facilitates the whole RT and RB research community with continued growth and success. The RR community is active on the website and is perceived as a strong force on the website by the rest of the community.
The website allows national and international researchers to integrate and network. This bespoke database provides much needed support for researchers, empowering the community to resurrect the infrastructure and skills vital to build capacity and help develop a cohesive research community.
All facilities on the website, www.acorrn.org, including registration are free.
Key functions of the website are to
create an area where researchers can post forum questions for all members to review and respond;
deliver regular newsletters, updates, meetings and events as appropriate;
utilise the information database to execute national audits and surveys;
support the development of RTSNs including information as the groups progress;
allow effective communication between research groups and individuals with complementary research interests;
coordinate individual WP ensuring up-to-date information is disseminated on the group's work and progress;
establish a comprehensive database of research active individuals, research areas and ongoing projects;
raise awareness to ensure that the national RT and RB research community are appropriately informed and engaged;
identify gaps in the research portfolio by using the research database;
inform the patient community of on-going research and clinical trial opportunities;
provide guidance to researchers on appropriate funding streams;
highlight specific funding calls to all website members;
maintain an Events Calendar which will inform the community of conferences, funding call deadlines, etc.
promote relevant employment vacancies and/or research opportunities.
THE FUTURE OF ACORRN
ACORRN has exceeded expectations. It is clearly addressing the difficulties facing the research community and it is anticipated that the need for ACORRN will continue. In the future ACORRN will work with the RR WP to ensure continued research development of their profession.
For any further information on ACORRN please contact the National Office via e-mail acorrn@manchester.ac.uk or via telephone on 0161 446 8279.
Acknowledgements
Our sincere thanks to Cancer Research UK, the Department of Health and the Medical Research Council who provided a grant for the initial 3 years of ACORRN.
APPENDIX 1
Summary of the ACORRN working parties and membership: Research Radiographer Working Party members
Radiation Biology Working Party members
Nurses Working Party members
Physics Working Party members
Working parties currently in development
Tissue banking
Surgeons in radiotherapy
Clinical research fellows
APPENDIX 2
Summary of research topic-specific networks and membership: IGRT Expert Evaluation Group members
UK Pancreatic Radiotherapy Research Group members
Particle Therapy Group members
Late Effects Group members
