MISSION

The mission of the Office of Clinical Research Resources (OCRR) is to support the initiation and conduct of clinical research within the Department of Radiology by fostering communication, providing access to resources and offering guidance regarding funding, regulatory requirements and study management.


ABOUT US

Established in 2004, OCRR supports the growing community of clinical researchers within the MGH Department of Radiology.  Directed by Jamien Richardson, who also serves as the Director of Research Operations, OCRR supports Radiology faculty, trainees and administrators engaged in all aspects of translational and clinical research activity.  OCRR provides one-on-one consultation in the areas of career development, acquisition of funding, grant management, IRB regulatory processes and study conduct. OCRR has developed a centralized infrastructure for communication and education.  In addition, OCRR facilitates access to resources both inside and outside MGH and the Partners HealthCare network.


FOCUS AREAS OF OCRR

The Office of Clinical Research Resources (OCRR) in the Department of Radiology is a comprehensive source of support for junior faculty researchers, as well as senior level investigators who may be conducting clinical research for the first time, or who may require support for their clinical research projects.


OCRR has three primary focus areas:


Education

  • Monthly meetings for administrators, Division Assistants and grant manager

  • Quarterly meetings for investigators

  • Training sessions for systems (IDXRad, InSight, NIH-ERAcommons)

  • Other training as needed for regulatory requirements and grant writing

The OCRR will conduct monthly or bi-monthly meetings for administrators within the department to facilitate training, communication and to provide a venue where people may express concerns or challenges. These meetings will incorporate training on new systems such as InSight, refresher courses on old systems that are changing.

OCRR has also begun to organize similar meetings on a quarterly basis for junior and senior faculty researchers.  Once again, the goal of these meetings is to facilitate communication, collaboration and training.


Communication

  • E-mail lists specifically for Clinical Research

  • Wide dissemination of information via e-mail, monthly/quarterly meetings

  • Website specifically for Radiology Research Resources

  • Contact List – Whom do I call for help?

  • Funding opportunities, canned grant text, lectures/training sessions

The dissemination of information related to the conduct of clinical research within the department has been a challenge up until now due to the decentralized nature of the researchers and research groups.  An explicit goal of the OCRR is to create an active and up-to-date e-mail list organized by specialty area so that we may send targeted e-mails about funding opportunities, resources and training. 

The OCRR’s web site contains information and resources that can be shared throughout the department.  The website resources include access to a radiology specific funding source database, a departmental contact list – who to call for help, and useful resources such as canned grant text, information on useful training sessions, interesting lectures and events.


Facilitation

  • InSight – For Investigators & Division Assts., Grant Managers

  • NIH – ERA Commons - For Investigators – track their NIH grants, funds and applications

  • Review and develop other systems as needed

Our final goal focuses on empowering investigators and their staff. We will conduct training and feedback sessions for systems such as InSight, NIH-ERA Commons, Document Direct and PeopleSoft. The OCRR can assist with industry negotiations and provide assistance with approval processes through the IRB, Research Affairs and Corporate Sponsored Research and Licensing. Grant assistance and strategic project planning are also offered through this office.