Excellence in medical research ‘not leading to better health for enough people’

Dr Jonathan Cox, senior lecturer in microbiology at Aston University, said: “The UK continues to produce world-leading medical research, but translating discoveries into tangible improvements in patient outcomes remains a major challenge.

“One of the most significant barriers is the limited availability of funding specifically for translational research, which is essential for bridging the gap between laboratory findings and clinical implementation.

“At the same time, many of the more readily attainable advances have already been achieved, meaning that today’s health challenges are often more complex and require longer-term, multidisciplinary solutions.

“Increasing regulatory requirements, pressures on NHS capacity, and growing demands on academic staff can also slow the pathway from discovery to patient benefit. Addressing these challenges will require sustained investment, stronger partnerships between academia, healthcare and industry, and greater support for the clinical academic workforce that plays a vital role in driving innovation into practice.”