We are the DSRU
Shaping safer use of medicines
For more than four decades, we’ve been guided by what matters most: the needs of our partners and the patients they serve. At DSRU, we’re an independent, not-for-profit research organisation using real-world evidence to advance understanding of the safety and risk of medicines and vaccines.
Working across pharmacovigilance, pharmacoepidemiology and education, we combine regulator-trusted methodologies with scientific rigour to uncover the insights that inform better decisions. Together with regulators, healthcare organisations, academia and industry, we’re creating meaningful change through in-depth evidence for safer medicines.
Setting standards in drug safety
Our mission is to set the standards in drug safety by advancing understanding of safety and risk while educating pharmacovigilance professionals, embedding best practices that protect public health.
Values
Commitment, Flexibility & Excellence
Commitment
- We’re committed to advancing drug safety and public health.
- This commitment underpins our governance, methodology and decision making, driving accountability and responsibility.
- Above all else, we’re committed to the needs of our partners and the patients they serve.
Flexibility
- We continually adapt to the ever-evolving safety landscape.
- For more than four decades, we’ve been at the forefront of changing regulatory expectations and methodologies.
- This flexibility extends to how we collaborate with our partners, developing bespoke studies to advance our understanding of safety and risk.
Excellence
- We hold ourselves to the highest standards of scientific rigour, professionalism and quality across research, education and consultancy.
- This commitment enables us to generate robust evidence, uncover meaningful insights, and deliver trusted outputs that inform better decisions.
- We also foster excellence throughout our industry, nurturing pharmacovigilance professionals and embedding best practices.
Pharmacovigilance
Bringing drug safety into focus
Pharmacovigilance is the science of understanding, detecting and managing the safety of medicines in real-world clinical practice.
At DSRU, we’re helping organisations find a clearer path through complex data. We design and deliver independent, non-interventional studies that generate trusted evidence, deepen understanding of safety and risk, and support confident decision-making.
From post-authorisation safety studies and real-world evidence to specialist consultancy and education, our work brings clarity to organisations that develop, provide and regulate medicines and vaccines.
Because better evidence leads to better decisions. And better decisions help protect public health.
Your DSRU
Bringing expertise together
DSRU is an independent academic unit, registered charity (No. 327206) and Associate Department within the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Portsmouth. Our multidisciplinary team brings together epidemiologists, physicians, pharmacists, biomedical scientists and research specialists, supported by experienced IT and operational professionals.
Together, we’re united by a shared purpose: advancing understanding of medicine safety through independent science, collaboration and education. Our work is led by Director Professor Linda Härmark and governed by an independent Board of Trustees, ensuring the scientific integrity and independence that have defined DSRU for more than 40 years.
Discovering the people behind the science
The strength of DSRU comes from the expertise of our people. Meet the researchers, scientists, educators and specialists whose knowledge, collaboration and commitment continue to shape the future of drug safety.
You’ll also discover more about the history of DSRU and the foundations that continue to guide our work today.
DSRU Education & Training
Shaping the future of pharmacovigilance
Education has always been central to DSRU.
For more than four decades, we’ve been sharing knowledge, developing expertise and helping pharmacovigilance professionals build the skills needed to improve medicine safety around the world.
Our internationally recognised courses combine scientific excellence with practical application, supporting professionals at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re developing specialist knowledge, strengthening your organisation’s capabilities or preparing for the future of pharmacovigilance, our education helps you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
