We receive many requests from researchers asking us to invite our members to take part in their studies. To protect the interests of our community, we’ve created this page to help you understand our research application process.
If you would like DCN’s help in recruiting participants for your study or research project, your application will go through six key stages. Every application is carefully reviewed by our specialist research advisors, who assess all proposals involving our members. The full process and expected timings of the six steps are explained below:
Step 1 – Read our Research policy.
Step 2 – Download, read and complete our research application and checklist. (NOTE this is a Word Document).
Step 3 – Append all requested documentation and send your completed application and supporting documents to research@dcnetwork.org.
Step 4 – DCN will review your application. We require up to 30 days to review the checklist and submitted research documentation and provide a response. Responses can include: approval for the research to take place under the auspices of the DCN; a request for amendments or for further information; or a rejection.
Step 5 – Once your application has been reviewed and approved, we will circulate the research request to our members via email, or send to specific groups, to support your research.
Step 6 – At the end of your project, we ask that you share the outcomes of your research with us, including the response rate from our members and any resulting publications or references. We’d also appreciate a brief summary of your findings, which we may feature on our website to inform our community.
If you have any questions not answered here, please contact us at research@dcnetwork.org.
