Irish Surgical Trials and Research (I-STAR) Network

This Investigator-Led surgical study comparing two types of wound dressings to reduce surgical site infections in patients undergoing laparotomy

Further information HERE

This Investigator-Led surgical study is comparing two types of wound management strategies to reduce surgical site infections in patients with Pilonidal disease

Further information HERE

This Investigator-Led surgical study is comparing two types of wound dressings to reduce surgical site infections in patients undergoing limb amputations

Further information: HERE

This Investigator-Led neurosurgical study investigating management strategies for brain bleeds

This Irish-led Collaborative study will investigate if more intensive imaging surveillance (including regular radiological scans and endoscopy) can lead to earlier detection of a cancer returning, at a stage when it may be more readily treatable.

Further information HERE

This regulated Clinical Investigation is assessing if

local application antibiotic impregnated bone graft substitute cerament G improves wound healing in patients with osteomyelitis

This International Collaborative trial is looking at the need to treat the lymph glands in the armpit after having chemotherapy followed by surgery for breast cancer.

Further information HERE

This Investigator-Led study is looking to establish the correct dose of anti-coagulation injections to prevent blood clots in patients who are having bariatric surgery

Further information HERE

Supported by the Network

Our Partners

The I-STAR network acts as a point of contact, local sponsor and trial coordinating centre for Investigators and international sponsors who would like to open trials here in Ireland. We offer access to a wide network of surgeons, surgical trainees, allied healthcare professionals and scientists participating in surgical research

We collaborate with surgeons, their academic partners, Clinical Research Facilities, hospitals, Industry, Clinical Trial Networks and Collaborative groups.

Resources

Reseach ethics requirements

Data protection: GDPR

Medical Device studies/Clinical investigation

Trials involving investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs)

ICH-GCP Guidelines

HSE National Framework for the Governance, Management and Support of Health Research (RGMS Framework)

Training

Get in touch to avail of training in ICH-GCP, GDPR and Clinical Trials

Management Board

The management board is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic plan for the network, aligning with national and international surgical research and practice priorities. The board oversees the operations of the network,

tracks the performance of the network, identifies areas for improvement. The board act as advocates for the needs of the network and engages with stakeholders to promote the value of surgical trials and innovation.

Scientific Advisory Board

The ISTAR Network Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of specialist surgeons who provide expert guidance and oversight to ensure the scientific integrity and quality of surgical trials. The SAB reviews designs, protocols, and methodologies of proposed trials to ensure they are robust, of clinical and scientific relevance and fall within the remit of the I-STAR networks strategic plan.

PPI Committee

A Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Committee plays a vital role within the ISTAR Network by ensuring that the perspectives, needs, and experiences of patients and the public are integrated into the design, conduct, and dissemination of surgical trials. The committee provides input on study protocols, participant materials, and recruitment strategies to enhance relevance, accessibility, and ethical standards. Collaboration between researchers and the community improves trial outcomes, promotes transparency, and builds public trust in the research process.