Working with NHS organisations to benefit around 200 clinicians, the new investment, of £9.7 million, will support clinical research careers across the UK.
The investment will establish 10 Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers (RACR), bringing together more than 50 research organisations and over 60 NHS organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
MRC RACR is a pilot initiative supporting clinicians at critical stages in their research careers to stay involved in research alongside clinical practice. The initiative will strengthen the UK’s clinical research workforce, which underpins innovation, improved care and better health outcomes for NHS patients.
Why clinical researchers matter
Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, therapists and pharmacists play a central role in caring for patients and identifying key challenges faced by health services. Clinical researchers bridge the gap between scientific discovery and better patient care. Their research prevents illness and develops new treatments connecting academia, the NHS and industry.
Improving health services
Hospitals that are involved in medical research have been shown to deliver better patient outcomes, adopt innovation more quickly and create environments that attract and retain skilled staff. Supporting clinicians to undertake research alongside their clinical roles is essential to maintaining an innovative, evidence‑led NHS and driving the development of new treatments.
Challenges facing clinical researchers
Many clinicians face barriers to starting and sustaining research careers.
The Office for Strategic Coordination of Health Research report ‘Clinical researchers in the United Kingdom: Reversing the decline to improve population health and promote economic growth’ highlighted a long‑term decline in the clinical research workforce. It also identified several challenges, including, pressures on time and funding, and access to mentorship and training.
These challenges are particularly acute at career ‘pinch points’, such as the move from doctoral (PhD) to postdoctoral research, or the transition towards research independence. Left unaddressed, these challenges risk discouraging talented clinicians from contributing to research, with implications for innovation, patient care and an NHS that is fit for the future.
Piloting a regional solution
To help address these issues, the Medical Research Council (MRC) has established 10 Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers spanning the UK and more than 50 universities and over 60 NHS organisations. Each regional consortium will receive £250,000 to £350,000 a year for up to four years. Working with local universities, the NHS and organisations that support research, the RACR will deliver flexible, tailored support to more than 190 clinicians across the UK.
To read more see the UKRI website.