Paul Shepherd and Anthony Woodman

12 February, ICRI Global Research launched the UK's only research institute of its kind in Linford Wood, Milton Keynes. The company came to the UK offering international clinical research masters degrees, with training facilities in Singapore and South Carolina, to students from around the world. Their UK training centre and global head office was transformed from a shell to a world-class educational centre in just four weeks by local commercial designers Shepherd Interiors.

IRCI Global Research invited local and international VIPs to the unveiling of a plaque by Mark Lancaster MP to launch the research institute. Guests included Tom Hulsey, head of clinical research at the Medical University of South Carolina, representatives of UK Trade and Industry, the ICRI chairman from India, local councils, MK and Northampton General Hospitals. The first students start the course on 1 March 2010.

The six-week timescale set by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) inspector meant that they needed a designer who could work with speed and accuracy. Professor Anthony Woodman, chief executive officer of ICRI Global Research said: “The flexibility of Shepherd Interiors was really impressive and made our deadlines achievable. They took hold of the project from the start and were very helpful. As they were local we could give them ownership of the project, which put our minds at rest. They really pulled out the stops at a very competitive price.”

The close working relationship that Shepherd Interiors has with Milton Keynes Building Control meant they could deliver within such a tight timescale. The furniture was installed the day before the Building Controls inspection, which was signed off just hours before the BAC accreditation inspector arrived.

This institute is overcoming barriers to research in India by improving communication and business skills, and giving students more ability to work internationally. Reed recruitment agency in St Albans will help students with soft skills and career development while linking clinical researchers with those on the courses.

“Linford Wood offered us close proximity to partner organisations. Students need hands-on experience. Milton Keynes General Hospital gives students exposure to real-world clinical practice and Northampton General Hospital gives us access to a clinical unit where active trials take place,” added Professor Woodman.

The three-storey institute boasts training rooms, a knowledge centre, a common room and a library, which Shepherd Interiors designed in accordance with Building Control regulations.

“The accreditation inspection does not just focus on the education facilities, it includes the health and safety of the students. We had to consider disabled access as well as issues such as student access to hot water,” explained Katie Hardy, design manager at Shepherd Interiors.

The building includes a virtual teaching environment. A global electronic platform links the UK to the USA and Singapore so that video lectures that can be shown across countries. Innovative video assessment techniques take place in the Northampton unit where students are filmed using real-life skills to solve a scenario.

Milton Keynes will play an active role in educating medical graduates from around the globe at the new research institute.

Posted Wednesday February 17^th 2010
By Rachael Bonfield