London Launchpad RACR: a London partnership to build a diverse clinical academic workforce and reduce inequalities

Context and regional partnership
London Launchpad RACR (Launchpad) is a pan-London partnership designed to retain and progress clinical researchers at two career pinch points identified by MRC: the transition after completing a PhD and re-entry to research after training or an extended break. It will support discovery and early translational research within MRC remit, strengthening London’s capacity to deliver world leading health research and benefit patients across diverse communities. It will also improve consistency and fairness of access to regional research opportunity.
Launchpad brings together six London universities led by UCL with NHS trusts, NIHR infrastructure including BRCs, and health charities. The consortium links organisations with differing research capacity so clinicians in smaller, less research active settings can access mentoring, facilities, training and grant development support. Across our partnership there are 1451 clinicians undertaking PhDs and 326 Clinical Lecturers and equivalent NMAHP posts, yet access to post PhD bridging support remains inconsistent across employers and professions.

The challenge this RACR addresses
Launchpad addresses a clear gap between doctoral training and sustainable postdoctoral independence. Many doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals leave or pause research because they cannot secure salary support, deliverable protected time or structured mentorship while meeting service pressures, training requirements and caring responsibilities. These challenges are amplified in London by high living and caring costs, and by weaker recognition of research in some roles and settings, so short funding gaps can end a research trajectory.
Launchpad complements, rather than duplicates, NIHR Integrated Academic Training, BRC and local bridging schemes by providing a single regional bridge with shared standards and coordinated selection. Fellows will have London wide access to training and...