Academy of Medical Sciences Brings Together NHS Academia and Industry to Map Future Medical Science Careers

Academy of Medical Sciences Brings Together NHS Academia and Industry to Map Future Medical Science Careers

(IN BRIEF) The Academy of Medical Sciences has launched a UK Medical Science Careers Taskforce to address growing challenges affecting the country’s medical research workforce. Co-chaired by Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed of the University of Liverpool and Dr Tony Wood of GlaxoSmithKline, the initiative will bring together leaders from academia, the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry and the MedTech sector to identify gaps in clinical and non-clinical career pathways. The taskforce will analyse workforce trends, consult with stakeholders and examine international best practices to produce a national “gaps and fixes” career pathway map and develop a coordinated strategy by December 2026. The effort comes amid concerns about rising vacancies in clinical academic positions, declining numbers of senior researchers and increasing workforce pressures, even as advances in artificial intelligence, data science and new therapies create major opportunities for medical innovation. Through consultation and collaboration across the health system, the taskforce aims to strengthen career development, improve mobility between sectors and ensure the UK maintains its global leadership in life sciences research.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 4-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Academy of Medical Sciences has launched a new UK Medical Science Careers Taskforce aimed at identifying gaps across clinical and non-clinical career pathways and strengthening the future workforce supporting medical research and innovation. The initiative brings together senior leaders from academia, the National Health Service, the pharmaceutical sector and the medical technology industry to develop a coordinated national strategy for careers in medical science.

The taskforce will be co-chaired by Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, NHS Chair of Pharmacogenetics at the University of Liverpool, and Dr Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer at GlaxoSmithKline. Its creation reflects growing concern that the UK’s medical science workforce is under increasing pressure at a time when technological breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science and novel therapeutics are rapidly transforming biomedical research.

Advances in these fields are creating new opportunities to accelerate medical discoveries, improve patient outcomes and reinforce the UK’s global leadership in life sciences. However, achieving these ambitions depends on a workforce equipped with the necessary skills and supported by clear and effective career pathways. The Government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and the 10-Year Health Plan for England both emphasize the importance of developing talent capable of driving the next generation of medical innovation.

Despite these ambitions, several structural challenges continue to affect the UK’s medical research workforce. Career pathways for professionals such as data scientists, research technicians and specialists working in medical technology and pharmaceutical sectors remain fragmented. In addition, movement between the NHS, academic institutions and industry can be difficult, limiting opportunities for collaboration and career development.

Recent data highlights the scale of the issue. Vacant clinical academic posts have increased by 71 percent over the past decade, while the number of researchers at senior lecturer level has declined by 24 percent. Surveys also suggest that nearly one-third of clinical research staff are considering leaving the UK research sector within the next five years.

The new taskforce aims to address these challenges by analysing evidence, consulting with stakeholders and examining international approaches to workforce development. By the end of 2026, the group plans to produce a national “gaps and fixes” career pathway map designed to identify areas where improvements are needed and outline practical solutions for strengthening the system.

Rather than developing entirely new frameworks, the taskforce will focus on integrating and aligning existing career structures across different sectors of medical science. Its work will examine the full range of professional roles involved in modern medical research, including clinical academics, biomedical researchers, data scientists, research technicians and professionals working in medical technology and pharmaceutical industries.

Particular attention will be given to the boundaries between clinical and non-clinical roles and to the barriers that often prevent professionals from moving between healthcare, academic and commercial research environments. The group will also consider the evolving skills required to work with artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies that are increasingly shaping the future of medical science.

In addition, the taskforce will explore how geographical factors influence access to training and career opportunities across local, regional and national levels, with the aim of ensuring that talent development is supported throughout the UK.

Dr Tony Wood said the taskforce is being launched at a critical moment when scientific advances and emerging technologies are transforming medical research. He noted that modern career structures are essential to ensure that talented individuals can develop the skills required to address major health challenges while building rewarding careers in both clinical and non-clinical research.

Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed highlighted the importance of supporting the next generation of medical scientists who will lead future breakthroughs in healthcare. He said that while technological progress is accelerating rapidly, existing career pathways are often unclear or poorly aligned, making it essential to identify where improvements are needed and develop a clear national plan.

Professor Andrew Morris, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, emphasized that medical science remains one of the United Kingdom’s greatest strengths. British researchers have played key roles in developing life-saving treatments, and the country’s clinical trials infrastructure proved particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic. The life sciences sector also continues to make an important contribution to economic growth.

However, he warned that sustaining this position will require greater investment in the people who drive scientific progress. Without action to address workforce challenges, the UK risks losing talent and falling behind other countries that are actively investing in medical research careers.

The Academy of Medical Sciences has previously brought together leaders from across the health sector to address structural challenges in the field. In September 2025, the organisation hosted a major summit that resulted in commitments from 40 health and research leaders, including representatives from the Medical Research Council, Wellcome, Cancer Research UK, the Department of Health and Social Care and several Russell Group universities, to take steps to reverse the decline in clinical academic roles.

Building on this momentum, the new taskforce will work closely with a broad range of partners throughout its programme. These include research charities, government departments, trade associations, regulatory bodies, NHS organisations and pharmaceutical industry representatives.

An open consultation process will begin in spring 2026, inviting contributions from across the medical sciences community. Researchers, clinicians, data scientists, technologists and research technicians will be encouraged to share their experiences of navigating career pathways, identify areas where improvements are needed and propose potential solutions.

The findings from this consultation will contribute to the taskforce’s final recommendations, which aim to provide the UK with a coordinated strategy for strengthening medical science careers and supporting the next generation of researchers.

Media Contact:

pressoffice@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool