A £12 million scheme which will support Scotland’s most promising clinical researchers has been launched by the Scottish Government.
Jointly funded by NHS Research Scotland (NRS), Scottish Universities and health boards, the NRS University Senior Clinical Fellowship scheme will fund up to 15 Scottish clinicians over the next 10 years in order to expand the amount of health research carried out in Scotland.
Clinical research is a valuable resource for Scotland that not only improves Scotland’s health but also drives economic growth through the country’s growing life sciences industry.
Clinical fellows from the previous scheme have brought in more than £65 million to Scotland through research awards since 2009, either through leading the research or collaborating in it.
This research in disciplines such as cardiology, oncology and psychiatry has assisted in the understanding and treatment of these conditions. Previous appointments have also boosted capacity in areas identified as needing more R&D input, such as paediatrics and toxicology.
Cabinet Secretary for Health Wellbeing and Sport, Shona Robison said:
“I very much welcome this prestigious scheme that will support Scotland’s most promising clinicians to become the health research leaders of the future.
“This scheme demonstrates the importance that we place on research within Scotland, and will help to further enhance our growing reputation as a global centre of excellence for clinical research. It reflects our manifesto commitment to explore ways of incentivising research within the NHS, building on the work of NHS Research Scotland.
“This scheme is a statement of our clear ambition for Scotland to be at the forefront of clinical research in the years to come.”
This scheme follows on from a previous clinical research initiative which successfully appointed 18 researchers, some of whom are already are leaders in their fields.
The scheme will be administered through the Board for Academic Medicine.
Professor Sir David Carter, Chair of the Academic Board for Medicine said:
“The creation of this new NRS University Senior Clinical Fellowship scheme, funded by a partnership between NHS Research Scotland, the five Scottish universities with medical schools and their associated Health Boards, provides an exciting opportunity.
“It will allow outstanding young clinical academics to make a critically important contribution to improving Scotland’s health, health service provision and economic standing.”
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