The NUM Study Network and the Specialised Network Infections were successfully launched as NUM Reseach Infrastructures and are currently in the set-up and pilot phase, which will last until the end of June 2025. From July 2025, the transition to regular operations is planned in order to establish sustainable structures for more efficient research coordination.
The NUM study network: efficient processes for clinical research
The NUM study network was developed to simplify the implementation of clinical and clinical-epidemiological studies, optimise processes and thus make them more efficient. A particular focus is on maintaining an "always warm" state at the participating study centres - this means that personnel, infrastructure and resources are always ready for use. This ensures that patients can be quickly recruited for studies on emerging pathogens within a few days in the event of an emergency.
In order to achieve these goals, intensive networking takes place with the important interest groups in the field: Above all, this includes intensive cooperation with the Association of Academic Coordinating Centres for Clinical Studies e.V. network, as well as national research associations, scientific societies, patient representatives and industry associations. To implement this concept, employees receive targeted training and are supported by a structured process management system. A central service catalogue defines clear timelines for processes to enable a quick and efficient response in crisis situations.
Each site within the NUM study network has a local contact point and is closely networked with experts from the specialist departments, the local biobank and the local data integration centre. Together, efficient procedures are developed to quickly review incoming study requests and forward them to the relevant departments. The network also includes measures to simplify contract negotiations, use standardised contract clauses and improve collaboration between key players in medical research. A study portal currently under development will further increase the efficiency of the network as a central platform for project management and quality assurance at the study sites.
Specialist network for infections: Successful start with 15 pilot sites
At the same time, the Infections Specialist Network has been launched with 15 pilot sites, which will soon begin their first study activities. A jointly developed master study protocol serves as the basis for the observation of infectiological diseases in five modules: Respiratory Diseases, Bloodstream Infections, Gastrointestinal Diseases, Central Nervous System Infections and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Patient education is based on the "Broad Consent" of the Medical Informatics Initiative. The master study protocol is one of the first applications in Germany of the new ethics committee procedure under the motto "One Study - One Vote", which was developed by the Association of Medical Ethics Committees.
Outlook for the future: Expansion of the network and new specialist networks
The further development of the NUM study network is already being planned: an application has been submitted for the network to be expanded by a further ten from July 2025. In addition, the NUM would like to launch two additional specialist networks from 2026, which will focus on the topics of stroke and critical illness. This will enable further expansion of the Reseach Infrastructure and help to make the acquisition of important findings for medical care even more efficient and support scientific pandemic preparedness.
With these developments, the NUM Study Network and its partners aim to make a significant contribution to strengthening clinical research and better preparing for future challenges in healthcare.
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You can reach the network by e-mail at presse@sn.netzwerk-universitaetsmedizin.de
You can find more information on the subpage of the NUM Study Network and the Infection Network.