Research Imaging Organisation

As experienced specialists, we provide thorough infrastructure to support researchers to design and manage trials of novel imaging techniques or trials where the primary outcome is imaging dependent.

What is the Research Imaging Organisation (RIO)?

We are an experienced team of medical imaging experts specialising in the design and implementation of imaging trials. We provide a comprehensive infrastructure that supports researchers with designing and managing trials of novel imaging techniques or trials where the primary outcome is imaging dependent. The RIO has three core elements:

1. Clinical Trials Unit

Our Clinical Trials Unit specialises in the design, coordination, implementation, analysis and publication of imaging trials. We provide expert methodological advice, including statistical support for study design.  We most commonly provide assistance with multicentre trials , but can also assist with single-centre studies if required. The use of our Clinical Trials Unit offers a powerful mechanism to ensure high-quality, impactful imaging research.

2. RIO CoreLab

Our CoreLab specialises in the delivery of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methodology within imaging trials. We assist researchers with scanner evaluation and qualification (ensure sites have appropriate capabilities to deliver the proposed study) and data quality control and can also provide or establish analysis packages that integrate seamlessly with other study processes. The use of the CoreLab supports the delivery of cutting-edge technology within a practical, multicentre trial, and can thus enable the delivery of advanced technology in a real-world setting.

3. RIO Implementation Team

Our Implementation Team is the patient-facing arm of the RIO and provides expertise in the delivery, management and safeguarding of imaging trials at UCH, as well as other sites if required. We ensure that each trial is delivered in compliance with the study protocol and applicable regulatory requirements. We offer assistance with site set-up, training for site staff, and assistance with ethics committee and regulatory submissions. We will oversee trial sites during the trial, ensure that trials hit recruitments targets and facilitate data collection, thus ensuring that your study runs smoothly and on time.

How we can help

In addition to these core elements, with a number of partners, the RIO can also help with imaging repository requirements bespoke to your research and specific requirements for your outputs, whether for research alone of for regulatory approval.

For example, we can advise on and facilitate the use of image repositories including the NCITA repository and the UCL XNAT service, thus helping researchers store and share medical image data generated through their projects in compliance with GDPR and Information Governance requirements. For studies aiming towards full regulatory approval of methods or devices, we can support collaboration with industrial partners to help you meet the necessary standards.

The Research Imaging Unit is based at UCL/UCLH, but can assist with the implementation of imaging trials anywhere in the UK. We have expertise in running large international trials.

We can offer assistance at different levels, from minimal involvement on a particular aspect of your study through to extensive involvement with all three of the above teams.

The RIO Team

Prof. Shonit Punwani
Director

Shonit is Professor of Magnetic Resonance and Cancer Imaging, Head of the UCL Centre for Medical Imaging, an NIHR Research Professor and a Consultant Radiologist at UCLH. He has an outstanding track record in the development and clinical translation of novel methods for cancer imaging.

Dr Tim Bray
Deputy Director

Tim is an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at UCL and Consultant Radiologist at UCLH, and is personally supported by the UCLH Biomedical Research Centre. His research spans the full imaging pipeline, from novel technical developments through to clinical trials, and has particular expertise in inflammation imaging.

Ms Chris Brew-Graves
CTU | Director of Operations

Chris is an experienced Programme Manager and has supported a range of Clinical Trials in different disease areas and using different methods, although she has particular expertise in cancer imaging. She leads a large team of trial managers with diverse expertise, covering the full range of imaging research.

Ms Teresita Beeston
Lead, RIO Implementation Team

Teresita is the Lead Research Nurse and Lead for Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance at the Centre for Medical Imaging. She has decades of experience in clinical trial delivery, and leads a large team of imaging trials practitioners with expertise across the full breadth of imaging research.

Dr Penny Cristinacce
Lead, RIO CoreLab

An MRI physicist with an exceptional track record of basic and translational research, Penny focuses on the clinical translation of MRI techniques, and previously led the NCITA Lab. She leads a team of physicists and radiographers who support the integration of advanced MRI methods in clinical trials.

Mr Phil Ryan
Lead Contracts Manager

Phil is an accomplished contracts manager and is currently Lead Contracts Manager at the Centre for Medical Imaging and for the NCITA and ACED programmes. He has experience in developing and modifying contracts and operational pipelines for a range of imaging studies.

Ms Ingrid Green
RIO Operations Manager

Ingrid is an experienced operations manager and has worked successfully in a range of different research settings; she was previously an operations manager for the NCITA and currently works on a wide range of imaging projects at the Centre for Medical Imaging.

Study Adoption Process

The RIO is happy to consider study adoption at all stages in the project lifecycle, from pre-application stages through to awarded funding. We encourage applications as early as possible in the project life cycle, ideally before grant application, although we can also provide support on some aspects once studies are funded.

What we need to know

• A brief summary of research question
• Your funding Status (plans for funding application / confirmed funding stage)
• Deadline for submission (pre-application) / planned or actual project start date (funding)
• Anticipated / awarded grant total

What services do you require?

Clinical Trials Unit

• CTU support
• Statistical support

Data Repository

• Use of data repository

MRI Core Lab

• Scanner evaluation and qualification
• Data quality control
• Data analysis
• Performance monitoring and re-qualification

Implementation Team

• Site-level delivery support - one / multiple sites.

What happens next?

• Relevant members of the team will review your selections, and we will arrange an informal initial meeting with you to discuss your proposal.
• In this meeting, we will discuss the assistance that you require from the RIO and agree on a level of involvement.
• We will then communicate our proposed support plan in writing.
• We will work with you as you prepare your grant application to obtain a costing outline for the proposed support.

How do we fit with other trial infrastructure?

Depending on the teams you require, we are able to work collaboratively with other trial infrastructure. For example, our MR CoreLab can support trials being delivered by other clinical trials units and our Local Delivery Team can do the same. The options above is designed to be flexible, and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements. Please contact us and we can discuss the best approach for you and your study.

Patient and Public Involvement at the RIO

We can also help to facilitate patient and public involvement for your study.

Next event: 'How to interpret the news'

Date

13 November 2024

Time

2pm-4pm

Venue

UCL Centre for Medical Imaging
2nd Floor, Charles Bell House
43-45 Foley Street
London, W1W 7TS