NHRP Senior Clinical Fellow / Honorary Consultant Career Development Programme

Programme overview

The NHRP Senior Clinical Fellow / Honorary Consultant Career Development Programme is designed to support medics and dentists at or near the completion of specialty training (CCT) to transition into independent clinical academic careers.

At a critical point in the career pathway, many highly talented clinicians face a significant challenge, balancing the demands of final clinical training, securing research funding, and managing personal and financial commitments. Too often, this leads to individuals stepping away from academia.

This programme addresses that gap – providing the space, time and support needed to succeed in both clinical practice and research.

Our approach

Through a unique partnership between Newcastle University and NHS partners, the programme:

  • Creates a clear, supported pathway into senior clinical academic roles
  • Retains talented clinical academics in the North East
  • Supports progression from postdoctoral training to research independence

What the programme offers

Protected time to develop both clinical expertise and a sustainable research career.

Time to build research independence and secure major fellowship or grant funding.

Jointly funded by partner NHS organisations and Newcastle University, reducing administrative and contractual complexity.

Including mentorship, training and opportunities to strengthen research leadership.

Why this programme matters

Across the clinical academic pathway, there is a well-recognised drop-off point at the transition to consultant level. At this stage, individuals must balance:

  • Completing specialty training and achieving CCT
  • Applying for highly competitive research fellowships
  • Taking on new clinical responsibilities
  • Managing increasing personal and financial pressures

Without support, many highly capable individuals move into full-time clinical roles and struggle to return to research later.

This programme directly responds to that challenge.

Partnership model

This programme is delivered through a collaboration between:

  • Newcastle University
  • Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
  • St Oswald’s Hospice

Together, partners co-invest in clinical academic careers, ensuring individuals are supported across both clinical and research environments.

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please contact: nhrp.academy@newcastle.ac.uk