The Royal College of Physicians has responded to a new report commissioned by the
Office for the Strategic Co-ordination of
Health Research on the falling numbers of
clinical researchers in the UK.
Responding to the report, Professor Tom Solomon CBE,
academic vice president of the Royal College of Physicians,
said:
“This report is extremely welcome as it highlights the urgent
need to address the decline in the UK's clinical research
workforce.
The Royal College of Physicians has for some time been
campaigning on this issue, for example through our 2022 position
statement on Making research everybody's
business. As a clinical academic, I have seen how the
systemic changes have made clinical research progressively
harder, despite the enthusiasm and ambition of some brilliant
clinical academics.
“Clinical researchers are vital for driving medical innovation,
improving patient care, and contributing to economic growth. The
report's findings on declining numbers of clinical academics, an
aging workforce, and systemic disincentives to take up research
underscore the pressing need for action.
“We support many of the recommendations, particularly
establishing a flexible national clinical research career
framework, expanding training pathways, and fostering visible
leadership and mentorship. These steps are critical to inspire
and retain the next generation of clinical researchers and ensure
that diverse career paths in research are valued. Additionally,
new consultants require targeted support to balance research and
clinical responsibilities effectively.
“Embedding research opportunities into all postgraduate training
and aligning with broader training reforms will create a culture
where research thrives alongside clinical practice.”
