Building the future of clinical academia: Newcastle’s IAT pathway strengthens UK’s clinical research capacity

Overview 

The Newcastle NIHR Integrated Academic Training (IAT) Programme for Doctors and Dentists offers a structured, trainee‑centred pathway for clinicians pursuing combined clinical and academic careers in partnership with Newcastle University, Health Education North East and local NHS Trusts.  

Together with specialised foundation training and early undergraduate research exposure, the IAT Programme offers a supportive route for doctors and dentists to build clinical academic careers, rooted in Newcastle’s strengths in translational medicine and healthcare innovation. 

This comprehensive structure and tailored mentorship strategy make Newcastle’s IAT programme a flagship example of building clinician‑scientist capacity in the UK, reinforcing the city’s position at the forefront of academic health research. This is strengthened by the support available from Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy across the pathway, including tailored career support, fellowship application support and training events for clinical academics. This provides a coherent and supportive environment for developing clinical academics. 

What is IAT? 

The Newcastle IAT Programme supports the development of clinical academics across a broad range of clinical specialties and diverse areas and types of research.  

The first stage of the pathway, NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs), last for three years (four for GPs) and involve 75% clinical training and 25% protected academic time. This allows trainees, under supervision, to develop research skills, complete projects, and prepare competitive doctoral fellowship applications (e.g. to NIHR, Wellcome 4ward North, CRUK or MRC). 

Following a PhD or MD, high‑performing trainees may progress to NIHR Clinical Lectureships (CLs) – postdoctoral roles of up to four years with an even split between clinical and academic training. CLs receive one‑to‑one mentorship and guidance on fellowship applications (such as NIHR, MRC or Academy of Medical Sciences) and are supported toward independent clinical academic careers in Newcastle University. 

Newcastle Health Research Partnership’s successful application 

A key part of the successful application was recognition of the support provided for clinical academic training at different career stages for doctors and dentists (from undergraduate through to Consultant level) by NHRP Academy and integration with the breadth of NIHR infrastructure in Newcastle to enhance training opportunities. Newcastle’s programme scored highly and received the maximum allocation of posts (41 in total). 

Malcolm Brodlie, Newcastle IAT Lead, said: “This is a fantastic result that builds on the excellent track record that we have in Newcastle. It is testament to the commitment across Newcastle University, NHS England Education North East and NHS Trusts to deliver clinical academic training.” 

Prof Quentin M. Anstee, Director of NHRP, said: “Clinical academics are vital to our partners’ joint missions of driving innovation in healthcare and training the clinical workforce of tomorrow. It’s fantastic to see Newcastle continuing to lead nationally in clinical training and the development of clinical academic careers. Another great success for Newcastle Health Research Partnership Academy and the North East.”