The purpose of the panel is to inform the strategic direction of the HSE, and to maximise the benefits of research within the health system to improve people's health, patient care and health service delivery. The Advisory Panel will bring together expertise from across the health research spectrum and provide an opportunity to influence the development of a HSE framework and priorities for research.

Context
The potential for research to improve outcomes for people's health, patient care and service delivery has been recognised by the HSE since its establishment. The Research Advisory Panel will provide those with the interest and appropriate expertise to help the HSE realise this potential. Research areas of particular relevance to the HSE are clinical and translational research, health services research and population health sciences.

The Research Advisory Panel will be strongly linked to the HSE's new Clinical Care & Quality Directorate and the Clinical Director structure but will also work with the other relevant functions of the HSE, such as Integrated Services, Corporate Planning and Education, Training & Research.

The work of the Panel will also involve collaboration with other relevant bodies, particularly the Department of Health & Children and the Health Research Board.

Expressions of interest

The HSE is inviting expressions of interest from people who would like to become a member of this Advisory Panel.

Expressions of interest are sought from:

• Experienced researchers from across all healthcare disciplines, especially those experienced in patient-oriented research, interventions and outcomes research
• Those experienced in research design and methodologies especially in health services research and population health sciences
• Those with experience in health research policy, governance and the development of research capacity.

If you would like to be considered for membership of this Advisory Panel, you should apply by letter outlining your relevant experience and describing why you believe you can contribute to the Panel.

Membership

It is intended that the Panel will comprise 10-15 members and will be balanced to reflect the spectrum of healthcare professions and research areas. The Chairperson and members will be appointed by the CEO of the HSE. All members will be appointed on a personal basis rather than as a representative of a group, professional body or research programme.

Roles and Responsibilities

Some initial roles for the Group will include :

• Develop a framework for leading and supporting HSE researchers throughout the health system
• Identify priority areas for research in Clinical Research, Health Services Research and Population Health Sciences
• Identify priorities for building research capacity in the HSE, including in research support areas such as epidemiology, statistics, study design and planning.
• Advise on the development of a governance framework for research in the HSE at corporate, regional and local level with particular reference to ethics, intellectual property, funding management and standards.
• Advise on training and career pathways framework for health professionals engaged in research
• Advise on arrangements for accessing, developing and networking research expertise

Expressions of interest should be submitted by e-mail to hseresearch@hse.ie or by post to:
Research Advisory Panel, Room 1.24, Dr. Steevens' Hospital, Dublin 8.

The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is 5pm on Friday, September 25th 2009.