This week, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) have launched a social media campaign ‘Peer Review Matters’ to highlight the nature and importance of being a member of the AMRC and what that means for scientific research carried out.

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK dedicated solely to funding long-term brain tumour research at Centres of Excellence and building a network of experts in sustainable brain tumour research. We are proud to be a member of the AMRC.

This ‘badge of quality assurance’ that is associated with AMRC membership means that all applications which are received by the Charity to be awarded Centre of Excellence status are strictly reviewed by a team of international experts before a decision on funding is made by the charity. This is followed up by a stringent peer review of the Centres’ annual reports. So all the money we invest at our Centres of Excellence funds only the highest quality, world-class brain tumour research.

This AMRC-approved peer review process ensures that we are investing in areas of health and medical with the greatest chance of benefiting brain tumour patients in the future.

AMRC membership also means that for every £1 we grant, an additional 28p is given to the Centres by the Government towards overall research costs. This is funded through the Charities Research Support Fund.

The AMRC conducts a robust audit of its members every five years to ensure that all funds spent on medical research in the UK by the member charities is peer reviewed to world-class standards. All research funds awarded  by Brain Tumour Research adheres to the highest standards.

Lord Turnberg, Scientific Advisor for AMRC, said: “The peer review audit is an incredibly important exercise that allows all AMRC members to demonstrate their high quality processes in making research funding decisions. It allows our members to stand out from the crowd.”