Bristol NHS Group is set to boost the careers of future clinical research leaders through new Medical Research Council (MRC) funding.
MRC are investing £9.7 million to support around 200 clinical researchers across the UK. The funding will establish 10 regional partnerships called Regional Accounts for Clinical Research (RACR), including the Great Western Clinical Research Alliance covering southwest England and southern Wales.
The Great Western Clinical Research Alliance brings together Bristol NHS Group (which includes North Bristol Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston) alongside other regional NHS Trusts and Boards, and the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Cardiff Metropolitan, Exeter, Swansea and the West of England.
Professor Fergus Caskey, Bristol NHS Group Director of Research, said:
“This funding is a major boost for clinical research across our region and will help us support talented clinicians to develop and sustain research careers alongside their frontline roles. By working in partnership across NHS organisations and universities, we can create the time, mentorship and opportunities clinicians need to thrive in research.
“Ultimately, this investment will strengthen our ability to translate scientific discoveries into real benefits for patients, improving care and outcomes for the communities we serve.”
The RACR pilot aims to support clinicians at critical stages in their research careers to stay involved in research alongside clinical practice. Nationally, it includes more than 50 universities and 60 NHS organisations.
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.
Hospitals involved in research deliver better patient outcomes, adopt innovation more quickly and create environments that attract and retain skilled staff.
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 and identified several challenges, including pressures on time and funding, and access to mentorship and training.
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, said:
“Clinicians play a vital role in turning discovery research into better treatments for patients, but too many face barriers to sustaining research alongside demanding clinical roles.
“These challenges vary across the UK, which is why a regional approach is so important to building strong partnerships between universities and NHS trusts.
“Through Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers, we are investing in locally led solutions that support clinicians at critical points in their careers, strengthen research environments, and help improve patient outcomes while accelerating life sciences innovation to support economic growth and a stronger NHS.”