The Neural Network and resource/information reliability

Data reliability is paramount to the Neural Network and so it makes use of multiple methods to ensure that the information and resources that it directs to are as trustworthy as possible.

See below for ways in which we do this, along with explanations of each highlighted method.

The PIF TICK is the UK's only independently-assessed quality mark for print and digital health information. It is run as a not-for-profit scheme by the Patient Information Forum (PIF).

Organisations that carry the PIF TICK are officially recognised as Trusted Information Creators.

To earn and keep the accreditation, producers must pass an independent annual assessment against 10 core criteria.

Examples of organisations relevant to the Neural Network that have PIF TICK accreditation are:

  • Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK)

  • Alzheimer's Society

  • Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Association)

  • MS Society

  • Multiple Systems Atrophy Trust (MSA Trust)

  • Parkinson's UK

  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK (SMA UK)

Learn more about PIF TICK accreditation at: https://pifonline.org.uk/pif-tick/about-pif-tick/

PIF-TICK accreditation

The PIF TICK accreditation symbol

The peer-review process is a quality-control mechanism typically used by academic journals to evaluate research prior to agreeing to its publishing. A proposed manuscript is shared with two or more experts in the relevant field of expertise (peers) who then review the document.

The reviewers read the manuscript and evaluate elements including

  • novelty of the work

  • strength of the methodology

  • verification of the data analysis undertake

The peer-review process increases confidence by helping to ensure that the work is credible and accurate. All of the journals linked within the Neural Network use a peer-review process.

Peer-review process

The UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) organisation provides investment with the aim of improving the capabilities across the research system, within the UK and internationally, developing world-class infrastructure and supporting an inclusive and ethical research culture.

Being eligible to receive UKRI funding means that these institutions match the UKRI's values and is a mark of credibility.

Examples of UKRI-approved organisations relevant to the Neural Network are:

  • Health Data Research UK (HDRUK)

  • MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

  • National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

  • NHS Trust

  • UK Dementia Research Institute (UKDRI)

  • Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute

For a complete list of UKRI-approved organisation see:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukri-endorsement-employing-or-hosting-institutions-global-talent-visa/ukri-list-of-approved-research-organisations

UKRI-approved research bodies

Membership to professional bodies

Scientific and medical professional bodies can grant a variety of benefits including accreditation opportunities, professional development resources, improved networking possibilities and influence on advisory boards.

These bodies also set professional standards in their relevant fields, bringing credibility to those associated with them.

Examples of some professional bodies that are relevant to the Neural Network are:

  • British Pharmacological Society

  • Health and Care Professions Council

  • Institute of Biomedical Science

  • Royal Society of Biology/Chemistry

  • Science Council

  • World Dementia Council

Our vision

Neural Network aims to make it easy for anyone to access high-quality information on neurodegenerative conditions.

To achieve this it provides a framework for accessing an ever-growing library of resources, information and support, all from one central online location.

The resources detailed within the Neural Network have been curated for their credibility, clarity and utility.

Disclaimer

Neural Network does not provide medical advice. The resources it facilitates access to are for reference, research and educational purposes only, and they are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concern, and do not disregard professional medical advice because of anything you may access on the Neural Network.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, Neural Network takes no credit or responsibility for the research or information shown; please refer to the original authors for attribution.

Get in Touch

A critical aim of the Neural Network is to provide an easily-accessible source of information on ongoing Clinical Trials that members of the public may not be aware of. I'm passionate about keeping the information here useful and relevant and so if you have feedback, discover a linked webpage has been removed before I do, or are running clinical trials and would like to collaborate then please feel free to either email at: contact@neuralnetwork.org or complete the adjacent form.

Contact

Neural Network

Linking Society and Science

E-mail: contact@neuralnetwork.org

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