As COVID-19 puts significant pressure on the NHS, many clinical academics are being asked, or requesting, to return to clinical duties to support patient care.On behalf of the major research funders and wider research community across the four nations (see full list below), we hope the following information and guidance is useful and provides reassurance. At the bottom of the page are separate links to further guidance from specific organisations.
The organisations we represent - funders, royal colleges, medical schools and the research community more broadly - are working closely on how we can provide practical support. In doing so we want to make three things very clear:
- If you wish to return to clinical practice, or are asked to, you do so with our full and complete support.
- For all our schemes, we are working on how to extend awards and fellowships to allow you to return and finish your research. The detail will take a little time to work out, but the principle is absolutely clear. You will not be disadvantaged by doing the right thing for the country at this difficult time.
- All funders are setting up support systems, with information on our websites and ways to contact the funder teams to get specific advice. For further information, we ask that you first contact your specific funder and your university. Contact details are included within the links below.
This guidance is provided by the following organisations:
National Institute for Health Research, Health Education England, British Medical Association, Cancer Research UK, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Academic Leads group, Medical Schools Council, Wellcome, Academy of Medical Sciences, Medical Research Council and UK Research and Innovation, British Dental Association, British Heart Foundation, UK Clinical Academic Training Forum, Diabetes UK, Council of Deans of Health.
Further guidance
Health Education England (HEE)
Information for trainees
HEE, HEIW, NHS Education for Scotland, GMC, and Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency
Joint guidance regarding Medical Education and Training
NIHR Academy
Message for all NIHR Academy members
Cancer Research UK
Information for grant applicants and grantholders
Medical Schools Council
Advice to UK Medical Schools on actions surrounding Covid-19
Wellcome
Information for grant applicants and grantholders
British Heart Foundation
Managing your grant
Royal College of Physicians
FAQs for trainees
Academy of Medical Sciences
Coronavirus guidance
British Medical Association
Advice and support
Diabetes UK
Managing your Diabetes UK grant
Medical Research Council
Information on impact of Coronavirus on UKRI-supported research