Just 2.7 per cent of applications for a publicly funded national research fellowship aimed at improving health and social care came from pharmacy professionals over a seven-year period, a University of Leicester academic has said. 

As she launched a new survey to identify barriers to research participation and overcome these challenges, Professor Debi Bhattacharya from the university’s school of pharmacy said the voices of pharmacists and pharmacists are missing from the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) efforts to further knowledge and improve patient care.

The 15-minute survey, which closes on February 17, is an initiative by the Pharmacy Professionals Incubator, made up of nine UK universities and representatives from varied pharmacy sectors to boost research participation among pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Professor Bhattacharya said: “Between 2014 and 2021 only 2.7 per cent of NIHR Doctoral Fellowship applications to the NIHR came from pharmacy professionals with the remainder dominated by the medical profession.

“This highlights the disparity in research engagement and access to research opportunities for pharmacy professionals compared to other healthcare roles.

“There is a need for greater awareness, encouragement and support for pharmacy professionals to pursue research careers and contribute to healthcare innovation.

“There are 90,000 pharmacy professionals, and we want to make sure everyone is given the chance to contribute to decision-making, including both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Engagement from diverse roles and sectors is critical to shaping practical and inclusive solutions.”

Dave Taylor, a patient representative working with Professor Bhattacharya’s team, commented: “Pharmacy professionals can help in healthcare research in more ways too – by helping to recruit participants and involving patients in research and co-design activities.

Community pharmacist and University of Leicester lecturer Charlotte Jones said the findings “will guide the development of a practical, evidence-based strategy to increase research capacity within the pharmacy profession”.

The survey is open to all registered pharmacy professionals, including those with no research experience.