Why clinical academia matters

Clinical academics are fully integrated across the NHS and academia, undertaking vital academic research, teaching and training alongside treating patients on the frontline. They provide a unique perspective on clinical research and make vital contributions to all specialties.

Despite their major contributions to both universities and the NHS, the number of UK clinical academics is declining. In 2024, only 3.4% of consultants held clinical academic posts, down from 4.7% in 2009 (this number is less in dentistry and other professions). It is essential that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and NHS trusts encourage the uptake of clinical academic roles across the UK.

Why encourage clinical academic posts?

Clinical academics play a key role in strengthening the UK’s research excellence and translating discoveries into better health outcomes. By combining clinical practice with research and innovation, they help improve patient care. For example, research-active hospitals show lower mortality rates.

Beyond patient impact, clinical academics contribute to the UK economy by attracting international investment, supporting new spin-outs and SMEs and training the next generation of researchers for both academia and industry.

Funding

Clinical research is often the largest income stream for many universities. On average, 28% of research income, over £5 billion, comes from clinical medicine. Clinical academics connect discovery research across multiple disciplines with access to NHS patients, helping to evaluate and implement new findings. There is a wide range of medical research charities and philanthropic donors in the UK who are keen to support multidisciplinary research and maximise the impact of their investment.

Alternative models of co-funding clinical academic posts between NHS Trusts and universities benefit not only medical departments but also other areas within the university. For example, many clinical research projects require expertise from statisticians, increasing collaboration with Mathematics and other departments.

Clinical academics contribute to the Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Clinical medicine research achieved the highest impact of any subject in the previous REF. Staff employed as clinical academics are recognised as having significant responsibility for research and are included in REF submissions on the same basis as all academic staff. Even though clinical academics have a joint contract with their research institution and the NHS, their roles count as 1.0 FTE in the REF.

About the Research Excellence Framework

Clinical academics procure innovative business ventures

The life sciences industry is one of the largest sectors in the UK. Developing clinical academics who work in collaboration with industry will facilitate better care for patients through the adoption of innovative treatments and technologies. The development of these treatments and technologies may not be possible without the academic input. It not only increases the reputation of the connected institution but also provides potential for patenting and other business ventures.

Clinical academic posts can boost university recruitment

A university’s research reputation helps attract talented researchers which in turn supports higher rankings in league tables.

Institutions that strengthen career structures and increase job security for clinical academics can integrate these roles more effectively across sectors. This provides better support, enhances the university’s reputation and improves recruitment rates.

Clinical academics provide remarkable contributions to society

Clinical academics make remarkable contributions to society by researching health issues of public concern. Their work drives cutting-edge clinical practice, improves patient care through innovation and inspires other healthcare professionals to engage in research.

Research in or with the NHS has led to significant breakthroughs in patient care and remains central to ongoing innovation in health and care. UK clinical academics played a vital role in supporting global health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This resource was supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences.