Topic: Research terms

The lead researcher responsible for the overall project. The CIA usually takes primary responsibility for the research plan, team coordination, reporting, budget oversight and communication with the funding body.

A facility that collects, catalogues, and stores samples of biological materials. This could include blood, urine, cancer tissue, cells, stool and others.

A group of people who provide advice and feedback to guide a research project or program. An advisory group may include researchers, clinicians, health professionals, policy makers and people with lived experience.

A researcher, clinician, professional or partner who contributes expertise, advice or support to a particular part of the project. Associate Investigators usually report to, or work under the direction of, the Chief Investigators and may not have the same level of responsibility as a Chief Investigator.

The organisation that receives and manages the grant funding on behalf of the research team. It is usually responsible for contracts, financial administration, reporting and making sure the project complies with funding requirements.

An undesired effect of a drug or other type of treatment. Adverse events can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening. Also called adverse effect and adverse reaction (see side effect). A specific type of AEs are immune-related adverse events (irAEs), these are specific side effects that arise after being treated with immunotherapy.