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Clinical Research is Not an Optional Extra
1Royal College of Physicians of London; The Pandemic Institute, and NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections; University of Liverpool and Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust.
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|July 23, 2026
Summary
The UK clinical research workforce is declining despite its importance. Addressing financial, training, and recognition barriers is crucial for sustaining vital medical research and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Medical Education
- Life Sciences
Background:
- Clinical research is fundamental to the National Health Service (NHS) and the UK life sciences sector.
- The UK clinical research workforce is currently facing a decline, exacerbated by rising patient needs.
- Factors contributing to this decline include financial pressures, increased clinical demand, unstable funding, and rigid training pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of clinical research in healthcare and economic growth.
- To identify the challenges faced by the UK clinical research workforce.
- To advocate for a comprehensive approach to support and strengthen the clinical research workforce.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current pressures on academic careers in clinical research.
- Review of existing support and recognition for research conducted by doctors at various career stages.
- Examination of policy and professional standards related to clinical research.
Main Results:
- Academic careers in clinical research are becoming increasingly difficult to enter and sustain.
- Research contributions from resident doctors, consultants, and other medical staff are often unrecognized and unsupported.
- Clinical research is a mandated policy requirement and essential for improving patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A holistic workforce strategy is necessary to address the decline in clinical research.
- The Royal College of Physicians is actively supporting doctors by advocating for research in job planning and training.
- Efforts are underway to enhance recognition and funding for early-stage clinical research and dismantle structural barriers to academic careers.
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