The Academy of Medical Sciences and Wellcome have announced a new five-year agreement worth £27.3 million, reinforcing their long-standing partnership and commitment to supporting biomedical and health researchers across the UK.
The expanded collaboration marks a new phase in their relationship, reflecting a shared ambition to improve health outcomes and strengthen the life sciences sector.
The partnership will focus on three main goals: advancing the UK’s position as a global leader in nurturing research talent, fostering a more inclusive and innovative ecosystem that encourages collaboration across disciplines, and powering sustainable workforce development through evidence-based policy.
Wellcome will co-fund the Academy’s Future Leaders in Innovation, Enterprise and Research (FLIER) programme, alongside continued support for initiatives such as Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers, Springboard awards and the Cross-sector Programme.
Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “This strengthened partnership with Wellcome gives us real momentum to address the challenges facing talented individuals working in UK health research. There are 6% fewer medically qualified researchers since 2012, whilst early-career researchers across all disciplines struggle to secure the support they need to establish independent careers.
“The Academy’s programmes deliver real impact. With our Starter Grants, for every pound invested, we see returns of up to twelve pounds in follow-on funding. Awardees are twice as likely to secure research positions and progress to leadership roles. But funding alone isn’t enough: researchers need protected time, mentorship and the skills to work across academia, industry and the NHS.”
He added: “This five-year agreement with Wellcome enables us to support researchers from their first independent position through to leadership roles, whilst using evidence to shape policy on research careers. It’s about building a workforce that can turn scientific discoveries into better patient care.”
Rachel McKendry, Executive Director of Discovery at Wellcome, explained: “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences, and this renewed commitment will provide future leaders in health and biomedical research the opportunities to develop skills through every stage of their careers. Supporting talent, fostering collaboration and engaging policy through these programmes will ultimately lead to uncovering cutting-edge new discoveries and improve lives.”
