W.O.R.C - Welsh Ophthalmic Research Collaborative
email: welshophthalmicresearch@gmail.com
website: worc.posthaven.com
The aim of W.O.R.C
Our aim is to facilitate access to high quality research in the area of Ophthalmology. Whilst principally this is a trainee lead network it is not exclusive, and welcomes input from across the board from consultant to medical student, from nursing staff to optometrists.
Committee
The committee oversees the running of WORC, however all Ophthalmology trainees in Wales are Automatic members.
Ownership
Projects should be based within NHS practice and have clinical principals at their core. Projects undertaken under the umbrella of W.O.R.C. should benefit from the expertise of the committee and the wider membership whilst the Principle investigator of each project retains ownership. Once a project is accepted as part of the WORC portfolio the PI will need to provide regular update with the progress of the project. If progress is not made, WORC reserve the right to remove it from their portfolio. Conversely if a project is accepted onto the portfolio, but does not benefit from support from the network in any way, the PI can withdraw it from the portfolio. However once support for the project has started it needs to remain in the portfolio until completion, with Authorship rights for WORC inclusion maintained. The WORC committee will maintain a project matrix with details of all projects, PI’s and planned actions.
Collaborations
Collaborative research provides opportunity beyond what can be achieved with single centre studies. WORC aims to collaborate, not only throughout Welsh Ophthalmology, but with other Trainee Networks across the UK.
Authorship
The principle investigator of each project is expected to be the lead Author of any publication. The local consultant mentor would have last author status. Any significant contribution of WORC members would be recognised and expected to have authorship recognition in a reducing contribution manner. Data collection from units alone will ensure collaboration status as a minimum. The Authorship status is not a fixed rule, instead can be reviewed on a project be project basis. It may depend on the publication criteria and the wishes of the PI. In some cases writing groups may be formed which have equal recognition for all members.
Meetings
Regular meetings will be carried out to review progress of current studies and to discuss proposed projects. Each meeting will result in planned actions for each of the studies on the portfolio. PI’s of current projects will be expected to contribute to every meeting. If they cannot attend then communication of progress and plans needs to be made to allow presentation in their absence. Following each meeting the project matrix will be updated and circulated to each member.
Project proposal
Project proposal will be welcomed from any source. Projects must demonstrate that they are well thought out, have some background research and some idea of how they can be delivered before being considered for addition to the portfolio. The proposal does not need to be overly detailed and it would be expected that WORC will develop the idea with the PI to a deliverable study. Proposals will be discussed at the regular WORC meetings and agreement to accept the project will be made by both committee and the wider network. If a project is unsuccessful then a proposer can pursue the project independently and can make further application at a later date if wished. Projects or studies can be brought at any stage; however some acknowledgement of WORC’s input would be expected in publication.
Potential projects should be emailed prior to meetings to allow addition to the agenda for discussion.
R.Reynolds OST6 Wales
welshophthalmicresearch@gmail.com
