The European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) promotes research excellence and supports researchers in general practice/family medicine. The establishment of a research tradition in primary health care has been inhibited by the relative isolation of practitioners and difficulties in obtaining adequate funding, protected time and training.

EGPRN, formerly known as EGPRW (European General Practice Research Workshop), is an organization of general practitioners and other health professionals involved in research in primary care and family medicine. Its aim is to provide a suitable setting in which to discuss and develop research in primary care, to foster and co-ordinate multinational studies, to exchange experiences and to develop a validated scientific basis for general practice. In addition, EGPRN also offers general practitioners a chance to meet foreign colleagues prompting local and international research collaboration.

The main aims of the organisation are:

• to promote and stimulate research in general practice and primary care
• to initiate and coordinate multinational research projects
• to exchange research experiences
• to develop a valid international base for general practice

These aims are pursued:

• by the organisation of international workshops
• by learning from other research experiences in Europe through international contacts, discussion and exchange of information
• by stimulating research in and for general practice in Europe through the development of common definitions and relevant research and conducting international research projects

EGPRN members are eligible to reduced subscription fees for a number of journals and individual members now enjoy free online access to the European Journal of General Practice. Reduced membership fees currently apply. See www.egprn.org for further details.

If you wish to join the EGPRN, please contact Dr Claire Collins, the ICGP Director of Research, who is currently the Irish National Representative for the EGPRN - claire.collins@icgp.ie