University of Leeds a key partner in landmark MRC-funded BEACON programme supporting clinical academic careers across the North
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).
Clinicians - including doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists and pharmacists - 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.
Despite their importance, many clinicians face significant barriers to starting and sustaining research careers. National evidence has highlighted 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.
Consortium of partners
Hosted by Newcastle University and delivered by Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy, on behalf of a consortium of 13 universities and more than a dozen NHS partners across the North of England, BEACON will officially begin on 1 July 2026 and provide flexible funding, career development support and regional collaboration opportunities for clinicians pursuing research careers within the MRC remit.
The programme builds on long-standing collaboration across the North, supported by networks including the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA), and will act as a coordinated regional platform to maximise opportunity, visibility and research momentum for clinical academics at key career stages. As part of the MRC’s wider RACR initiative, BEACON is designed to provide locally led, flexible support that helps clinicians overcome barriers and sustain research careers alongside clinical practice.
Professor Dave Jones OBE, BEACON Programme Lead and Director of Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy, said: “We are delighted that the MRC are funding the BEACON programme which Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy will deliver on behalf of a consortium covering the North of England. This is recognition of the excellence of our training programmes and represents a fantastic opportunity for clinicians of all professional groups to develop their academic careers. This will make a huge difference to both them and patients, strengthening the pipeline of clinical researchers needed for an innovative, evidence-led NHS.”
BEACON will be hosted by Newcastle University, with programme governance, communications and data management coordinated through Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy.
Professor Quentin M. Anstee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University and Director of Newcastle Health Research Partnership, 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.”
NHS partners across the consortium will support delivery and engagement locally, helping to identify and nurture research-active clinicians and to amplify BEACON opportunities across health and care settings.
Supporting excellence through collaboration
Although BEACON is a new programme, it builds on an established regional alliance, including collaboration enabled by the NHSA, which has brought together universities, NHS organisations and partners across the North to drive health innovation.
Hannah Davies, Chief Executive for the North Health Science Alliance (NHSA), said: “The North of England has a strong track record of collaboration across universities, NHS organisations and partners, enabled by the Northern Health Science Alliance. BEACON builds on this existing network, 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.”
Evidence shows that hospitals involved in research deliver better patient outcomes, adopt innovation more rapidly and create environments that attract and retain skilled staff. By strengthening clinical academic careers, BEACON will contribute to a more innovative, responsive and sustainable health system across the North.
The funding programme will support clinicians from across professions including medicine, dentistry, nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, healthcare science and pharmacy. BEACON’s offer includes both a main funding scheme and an innovative Fast, Flexible and Frequent (4Fs) funding stream, designed to support career momentum at critical transition points.
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.
A dedicated Stakeholder Group, chaired by Dr Wezi Sendama, will play a central role in shaping the BEACON programme. Bringing together clinical researchers from across professions and career stages, the group will ensure that the experiences, needs and priorities of the community directly inform BEACON’s activities and development. By embedding researcher voice at the heart of the programme, BEACON is designed to remain responsive, inclusive and grounded in real-world clinical academic career pathways.
Professor Anne-Maree Keenan OBE from the University of Leeds, Chair of the BEACON Main Funding Panel, said: "This programme represents a significant opportunity to bring coherence, visibility and strategic leadership to clinical academic career development across a large and diverse region. BEACON’s strength lies in its collaborative approach and its clear focus on excellence, fairness and impact.”
By supporting clinicians to combine research with clinical practice, BEACON will help strengthen research environments, accelerate the translation of discovery into improved treatments, and contribute to a more innovative, evidence-led NHS that delivers better outcomes for patients.
Visit the webpage for further information about BEACON, including details of funding calls and engagement activity: https://newcastlehealthresearchpartnership.org/newcastle-health-research-partnership-academy/beacon/
