Development of a United Kingdom interinstitutional strategic research group: An educational descriptive report

Objective: The aim of this report is to describe the first research-focused national collaboration in the United Kingdom. Method: Prior to 2023, research and innovation (R&I) and knowledge exchange (KE) operations in UK chiropractic higher education institutions (HEI) lacked formal interinstitutional collaboration. After a call to join an inaugural meeting of researchers, funding was obtained to facilitate an initial meeting. The group co-created a mission statement and objectives before planning a series of collaborative work packages in R&I and KE. The Inter-institutional Strategic Research Group (iSRG) mission is to facilitate research collaboration and impact within UK chiropractic HEI’s. Toward this end, iSRG organizes quarterly meetings to set the strategic direction for the collaboration and to operationalize activities. Results: This initiative represented a change in research culture and infrastructure, transforming research collaboration within the UK. To date, the group has undertaken the first UK-wide chiropractic HEI multisite randomized control trial investigating the effect of undergraduate pain neurophysiology education on chiropractic students. A second study is investigating patient expectations and outcomes. Moving forward, iSRG is looking at collaborative grant capture opportunities for future projects. Conclusion: The development of the iSRG group demonstrates a model of inclusive collaboration that could be replicated. Mastering the operational aspects of multi-institutional collaboration, presents a learning opportunity, which is essential for future growth and success in R&I and KE.