Developing research to inform policy and practice

The Drugs Research Network for Scotland aim to create and encourage the sharing of knowledge around drug related issues through collaboration across disciplines, organisations and countries to generate high-quality evidence that will inform developments in policy and practice.

ECR & PhD Conference Funding Support

 We are offering bursaries up to £300 to support early career researchers and PhD students to attend or present at conferences related to drugs research.
 
 
Applications close Friday 20th June 2025

Meaningful Engagement with Community Stakeholders in Research

In January 2025 we held an event around meaningful engagement in research to explore experiences and practices of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research in Scotland. This report is a summary of discussions among the people who attended the event.

Full report here

2025 Annual Conference

 

5 June 2025

Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee DD1 5EN

Register here

If costs are a barrier to attending, please email mcalnan@ed.ac.uk

Peer Research: Three-Part Video Series

 

This video series explores how people with lived experience of substance use are leading research. Through personal stories and group dialogue, the series shows how peer led research builds trust, challenges stigma, and can ultimately improve services for people who use drugs and alcohol.

Click here to watch

About DRNS

Established in August 2017 and funded by the Scottish Government, the Drugs Research Network for Scotland (DRNS) aims to facilitate knowledge exchange between the contributors, creators and users of drugs research to promote the generation of high-quality evidence that will inform developments in policy and practice. The DRNS aims to foster a strong community to enhance capacity and maximise investment into Scottish drugs research.