Dr Vishal Sharma, Improvement Academy, Bradford Institute for Health Research

Abstract: A core part of any research project is to apply for NHS ethics approval. This begins with the IRAS form and ends with attending an ethics committee. Time and time again, researchers are making very similar mistakes, which can unnecessarily hinder their application and delay starting their research. The purpose of this presentation is to talk about the process of applying for NHS ethics approval (not university ethics) and provide some top tips based on my experience that will hopefully make applying for ethics easier in the future.

Bio: Vishal is the Associate Director at the Improvement Academy, Implementation co-Lead for the Yorkshire and Humber NIHR Applied Research Collaboration, and alternate Vice Chair for the Leeds West Research Ethics Committee. Having previously studied Computer Science at Nottingham University, Vishal went on to complete an MSc in Health Psychology, before going on to complete a PhD at the University of Leeds, assessing the feasibility of screening for obesity related co morbidities in children attending community weight management services.