School of Medicine at St Andrews to benefit from £9.7 million investment in clinical research support

The Medical Research Council (MRC) have announced a £9.7 million investment to support clinical research careers across the UK to undertake research alongside their clinical roles.

The investment scheme will support St Andrews clinicians in NHS Fife with a prior track record in research who have completed their training to reengage with discovery science research activity, with implications for innovation, patient care and an NHS that is fit for the future.

St Andrews is part of the Scotland Partnership Advancing Research Careers for Clinicians (SPARCC) Regional Account for Clinical Researchers (RACR), one of ten RACRs established to bring together more than 50 research organisations and over 60 NHS organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each consortium will receive between £250,000 and £350,000 annually for up to four years.

The pilot is expected to support more than 190 clinicians through measures including protected research time, bridge funding, mentoring, skills development and support for those returning to research careers after time away. The initiative will strengthen the UK’s clinical research workforce, which underpins innovation, improved care and better health outcomes for NHS patients.

Professor Frank Sullivan, Professor of Primary Care Medicine at the School of Medicine at University of St Andrews and one of two members of the SPARCC board (with Dr. Phil. Walmsley) said: “This funding will support the post-doctoral phase of the St Andrews & Fife Clinical Academic Track StAFCAT | St Andrews & NHS Fife Clinical Academic Track.

“This can begin with projects in the 1st undergraduate year and it provides opportunities to combine academic studies and clinical practice throughout a health professional’s career.  The MRC funding includes protected research time within the clinical week with sessions embedded within NHS job plans to support integration of research and clinical activity.”

Frank also noted: “There are currently too few opportunities for clinicians with PhDs to continue to contribute to academic work throughout the University.  This funding will increase collaboration for several schools with the Health Service, particularly as the NHS Fife University Board grows in significance”.  

Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the MRC, said clinicians are vital in “turning discovery research into better treatments for patients,” but many struggle to sustain research alongside demanding clinical roles. He said the regional model would help create locally tailored solutions and strengthen partnerships between universities and NHS trusts.

The RACR initiative will also focus on tackling regional inequalities, supporting clinicians from underrepresented groups and addressing local health challenges in both rural and urban communities.