Support to help clinicians develop research careers and translate innovations into patient care

A major new Medical Research Council (MRC) programme involving Teesside University aims to strengthen clinical academic careers and research leadership across the North of England.

The programme, Building translational research Excellence Amongst Clinicians of the North (BEACON), has been awarded £1.4 million through the MRC’s Regional Account for Clinical Researchers (RACR) pilot scheme.

BEACON is designed to provide flexible support to help clinicians overcome barriers and sustain research careers alongside clinical practice, through flexible funding, career development support and regional collaboration opportunities for clinicians pursuing research careers within the MRC remit.

The programme is being delivered by Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy, on behalf of a consortium of 13 universities, including Teesside, and NHS partners across the North of England. It will build on long-standing collaboration across the North, supported by networks including the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), and act as a regional platform to maximise opportunity, visibility and research momentum for clinical academics at key career stages.

Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and pharmacists, all play a central role in caring for patients and identifying the challenges faced across health services. Clinical academics build on this frontline insight, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and better patient care, and driving the development of new treatments through collaboration between universities, the NHS and industry.

Many clinicians face significant barriers to starting and sustaining research careers, as national evidence highlights a long-term decline in the clinical research workforce, driven by pressures on time and funding, and limited access to mentorship and training. These challenges are particularly acute at key career transition points, such as moving from doctoral study to postdoctoral research or progressing towards research independence.

Regional BEACON lead for the Tees Valley, Professor Vikki Rand, Teesside University Professor of Translational Medicine, said: “This investment is an excellent example of how regional collaboration can strengthen clinical and healthcare research capacity and support the next generation of clinical academics. As part of this collaboration, we will support talented clinicians to develop research skills, build collaborations and access opportunities that will enhance research capacity and deliver long-term benefits for our communities.”

Professor Steve Cummings, Teesside University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange), said: “Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, allied health professionals and pharmacists see first-hand the challenges facing patients and health services every day. This programme of funding will help turn those frontline insights into impactful research by supporting the development of future research leaders who can drive innovation, improve healthcare delivery and contribute to better outcomes across the Tees Valley and the wider Northern region."

BEACON will be hosted by Newcastle University, with programme governance, communications and data management coordinated through Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy.

Professor Quentin Anstee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University and Director of Newcastle Health Research Partnership (NHRP), said: "BEACON reflects both Newcastle University’s long-standing commitment to advancing clinical academic careers and the strength of partnership working through Newcastle Health Research Partnership.

“By leading this programme, we are building on a proven model of collaboration between academia and the NHS to create a more joined-up, supportive and ambitious environment for clinical researchers across the North.

“Through NHRP, we are uniquely positioned to coordinate expertise, opportunity and investment at scale, ensuring that talented clinicians are empowered to develop as research leaders and to translate innovation into real improvements in patient care.”

Hannah Davies, Chief Executive for the North Health Science Alliance (NHSA), said: “The NHSA has a strong track record of health research collaboration across our universities, NHS organisations and partners in the North of England. BEACON builds on these established partnerships and networks, bringing together strengths from across the region to support the next generation of clinical researchers.

“By working together at scale, we can create the conditions for clinicians to thrive in research alongside their clinical roles, accelerating innovation and delivering real benefits for patients and communities across the North. This further drives the NHSA’s commitment to making the North of England a world-class research hub, creating a healthier and more prosperous population.”

Alongside funding, BEACON will provide protected research time, mentoring, skills development, access to facilities and networks, and support for clinicians returning to research after time away. In parallel, the programme will deliver a coordinated programme of regional development activity, contributing to a more connected and visible clinical academic community.

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