Developing the next generation of translational researchers is central to the mission of Biomedical Research Centres. Diversity of ideas and experience underpins the collaborative environment that is key to successful experimental medicine and the ability to tackle health inequalities. However, in order to be able to attract, retain and develop trainees, we need to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable and inclusive and that our research culture enables everyone to thrive. We will further develop our data systems to enable us to see the characteristics of BRC-supported investigators and trainees and understand barriers to and enablers of success in our research environment.
Through our BRC capacity development strategy, we will seek to increase opportunities for scientific, clinical and nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) to build research into their careers. We will work closely with our partners at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine to support the implementation of their EDI action plan, and with Cambridge University Hospitals to support their EDI goals for staff. The CRF workforce training and leadership development plan, informed by a staff survey, will include EDI benchmarking and monitoring.
Researchers, research support staff and members of the public have all emphasised the value of relevant, accessible training and tools to support them to build skills and expertise, and for mechanisms to understand the barriers and enablers of inclusive research. We will work with our capacity building team to understand perceptions of currently available training resources and to identify further training needs. We will also work across our BRC and CRF to develop mechanisms to consistently collect and share best practice.