We are delighted to share a major milestone for the Database for Atypical and Rare Fractures and Injuries (DARFI): it has now been formally joined into the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) Portfolio, within the North West RRDN.

This is a significant step forward for DARFI and for all current and future collaborating centres. Our study is now registered on the NIHR Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS; the ID 63957), marking its recognition as a nationally supported research initiative.

Why this matters

Inclusion in the NIHR RDN Portfolio brings substantial benefits that will directly strengthen the delivery and impact of DARFI across the UK. These include:

• Access to NHS research infrastructure and skilled research delivery teams

• Expert methodological and operational support to help studies run efficiently

• Enhanced patient and public involvement (PPI) guidance

• Resources to support training and development of research staff

Together, these advantages will help us deliver high-quality, scalable research more effectively within the UK health system and significantly streamline the process of running DARFI as a truly national database.

Looking ahead

As DARFI continues to grow, we are particularly excited about future opportunities to partner with the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme. This would allow us to offer meaningful, hands-on research experience for clinicians at the start of their research careers, further strengthening research capacity within the NHS.

A shared achievement

This milestone reflects the collective effort of our collaborators, contributors, and funders. Being part of the NIHR RDN Portfolio not only validates the importance of DARFI’s mission, but also opens the door to broader collaboration, deeper engagement, and greater impact for patients with atypical and rare fractures and injuries.

We look forward to the next phase of DARFI’s journey and to welcoming new centres and collaborators along the way.