There is growing evidence that clinical research activity improves patient outcomes and this has led to the Care Quality Commission examining for research activity during its inspection of NHS trusts. We also know that research involvement is linked to better staff morale with improved retention and recruitment. The benefits are clear and as such the RCP seeks to deliver research for all. 

The RCP has produced a research roadmap documenting key milestones that have been achieved since 2016.

Vision 

Every clinician is supported to become research active for the benefit of patients and the public. 

Mission 

As a leading body for physicians in the UK, we strive to engage more physicians in research that improves health and care as well as their wellbeing. 

Aims 

• To develop and support the workforce to become research active and innovative. 

• To deliver a system that enables physicians to do research as part of improving care. 

• To drive new collaborative ways for physicians to accelerate research for patient and public benefit.

Principles

In support of research, we will act in line with the following principles: 

• Research is defined in its broadest sense to capture the systematic investigation into health and care that establishes facts and reaches new conclusions. 

• Research access for clinicians and patients needs to be equitable across the UK to ensure that all hospitals benefit from the research effect. 

• Research needs to extend across multidisciplinary health and care teams and have patient and public engagement. 

• Research direction will be informed by clinical needs and aligned with the research ambitions of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).