DONETs
The role of Disease-Oriented Networks in the clinical research system
How DONETs link clinical expertise, research teams and CZECRIN infrastructure in the Czech Republic.
DONETs - Disciplinary Oriented Clinical Research Networks
Disease Oriented Networks (DONETs) are discipline-specific professional networks of clinical and academic institutions that have been established to systematically support clinical research in specific medical areas or disease-focused areas.
Under the leadership of CZECRIN, the national research infrastructure supporting clinical research in the Czech Republic, they connect clinical expertise, research teams and the infrastructure necessary for the preparation and implementation of clinical trials.
DONETs create an environment for collaboration, know-how sharing and methodological support that helps to turn relevant clinical questions into high-quality research projects with an impact on improving patient care.
DONETs bring together top clinics, research teams and other experts across specialised fields – for example, neurology, oncology, cardiology, pulmonology, intensive care medicine or advanced therapeutic approaches in relation to the defined priority areas of the Health 2030 Strategy.
Each network is led by renowned clinical experts who, in collaboration with practice partners, translate scientific hypotheses into real clinical trials.
DONETs form one of the pillars of the national research infrastructure CZECRIN, which provides systematic support for clinical research in the Czech Republic.
By linking professional networks across disciplines, DONETs strengthen the research capacity of the Czech healthcare sector, increase the quality of clinical trials and enable the active involvement of Czech teams in the European research area.
In this way, DONETs contribute to the goals of the Health 2030 Strategy, to the development ofevidence-based medicine and to the faster transfer of research results into real clinical practice.
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The role of DONETs in the clinical research system
DONETs play a vital role in the coordination, methodological support and implementation of clinical trials.
They provide:
- linking research teams, coordinators and health facilities across disciplines,
- sharing of CZECRIN’s professional and methodological capacities,
- supporting the transition from clinical idea to a feasible clinical trial,
- and an open platform for Czech teams involved in national and cross-border projects.
Impact on clinical practice and the healthcare system
DONETs are an effective tool for developing national research capacity.
Thanks to their work, they are thriving:
- linking academic and clinical sites,
- improve the quality of patient-oriented clinical trial designs,
- strengthen cooperation between research centres,
- and contribute to the transfer of scientific knowledge into clinical practice.
Through CZECRIN, DONETs are connected to the European ECRIN-ERIC infrastructure, thus enabling the active involvement of Czech research teams in international academic projects and ensuring that Czech research results have a European and global impact.
Why sectoral networks came into being
DONETs were created in response to the need for systematic support of clinical research in the Czech Republic.
They respond to the specific challenges of contemporary medicine and the research environment, which require linking experts, infrastructure and innovative approaches across disciplines.
The need for innovative treatment strategies
DONETs create a space for research into new and individualised treatment approaches that are often not of interest to commercial trials.
They support projects focused on clinical questions with high patient benefit but lower commercial potential – areas that are otherwise neglected.
Support for independent academic research
DONETs enable clinical trials led by academic institutions that focus on questions fundamental to clinical practice and patient care, rather than primarily commercial objectives.
This strengthens the independence, scientific quality and societal value of clinical research in the Czech Republic.
Propojování odborníků a sdílení expertízy
DONETs promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the emergence of multicentre studies involving professional societies as well as patient organisations and patient representatives.
This approach fosters the exchange of experience, encourages innovation and ensures that research questions are based on the real needs of clinical practice.
Efektivní podpora návrhu a realizace studií
DONETs provide methodological, organisational and infrastructural support for all phases of clinical research – from design, through data management and monitoring to implementation of results into practice.
Everything is done in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and current European and national legislation.
Mezinárodní spolupráce a zapojení do evropských studií
Thanks to the connection with the national infrastructure CZECRIN, DONETs are part of the European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN).
This allows Czech research teams to participate in international academic studies, access to foreign partners and participate in joint grant calls.
The coordination of this activity is provided by a team of European correspondents, who connect Czech centres with European sponsors and identify opportunities for international collaboration.
Sdílení real-world dat (RWD) a tvorba real-world evidence (RWE)
DONETs support the use of real-world clinical data (RWD) from practice to generate real-world evidence (RWE).
This approach complements the findings from randomised clinical trials with data from clinical practice to better assess the efficacy and safety of treatments in everyday care.