'Record’ allocation to support medical researchers in Britain’s Ocean City

The University has secured 22 Integrated Academic Training posts from the National Institute of Health and Care Research

Medical staff standing with arms folded in blue scrubs with stethoscope around their neck

9 October 2025

The University of Plymouth has secured 22 places in a prestigious health training programme to support clinical academics in their research careers.

The posts come from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Integrated Academic Training (IAT) programme, and the ‘record’ haul for Plymouth came as a result of its strong health partnerships, research infrastructure and commitment to meeting the needs of the local population.

In awarding the posts, the NIHR commended the University’s work with local healthcare organisations, including University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP), robust support of those in the programme, and their collaborative research culture.

What is the NIHR Integrated Academic Training programme?

Medical and dental organisations across the UK can apply to the NIHR IAT programme each year, to host Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) and Academic Clinical Lectureships (CLs). ACFs allocate 25% of time to research and are aimed at clinicians with at least two years’ experience in practice, while the CLs allocate 50% research time to more senior post-doctoral roles.

The University of Plymouth has won funding for five CLs, and 17 ACFs – more than it has ever received.

I believe that the deliberate focus on areas of established and emerging strength, and the collaborative research culture between UHP and UoP have been key factors in the successful outcome.

Supporting the needs of our local population and researching health inequalities are key aspects of our IAT programme. In addition to our established research fields, we also have new and exciting areas of research including respiratory medicine and trauma care.

We have also established joint infrastructure between the University and UHP, such as the Joint Clinical Research Office and Joint Clinical Academic Advisory Board, meaning researchers have simpler processes and a more collaborative research culture.

This significant investment from the NIHR is a key platform for our clinical academics of the future. The opportunities they present are enormous, so I am excited to see their impact unfold.

Dr Victoria Haunton
Associate Professor in Peninsula Medical School, who led Plymouth's bid for the IAT allocation

Figures released over the summer showed a decline in the number of clinical academics across the UK, so initiatives like the NIHR IAT are vital for supporting more people to continue that career.

Securing a record number of places in Plymouth shows the strength of our offer here for new and established clinical academics.

We’re proud of our work to train clinical academics of the future, while serving our local population. Now these posts will enable us to work even more with our local partners, and continue research into the most pressing health issues today.

Professor Laura Bowater MBE
Head of Peninsula Medical School

More information

Apply for a 2026 IAT post

Year 3 Medical Students in different clinical environments. Student in scrubs.

Find out more about Clinical Academic Training at Plymouth

First choice for health