What key stakeholders say

'Health research underpins the quality of all our health services - making a vital contribution to health outcomes. This fact alone means that it matters to each and every one of us. It matters because all of us rightly have high expectations of the NHS and its ability to offer the most cutting-edge care. And it matters because delivering the best possible health care relies on doing the best possible research.'

Gordon Brown, Prime Minister

'Local NHS organisations have greater freedom than ever before to set their own priorities - looking out to their patients, local populations and key partners to help plan and deliver services. Key to the success of those plans however needs to be the better use of information, data and research, and the SDO Network can play a role in helping managers understand how research evidence can guide the development of innovative leading edge services.'

David Nicholson, chief executive of the NHS

'Exposure to research strengthens managers' ability to innovate'

Ron Kerr, chief executive of Guys and St Thomas Foundation Trust

'Managers need to have a far greater awareness of research if they are truly to have an effective dialogue with clinicians'

Mike Cooke, chief executive of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust