Safeguarding Clinical Research in the National Health Service

Clinical research needs to be recognised as a crucial part of the solution to current challenges faced within oncology as well as the health service as a whole, rather than being seen as a ‘nice to have’ that needs to take a back seat just now. We need all healthcare leaders and managers to champion research as integral to their service provision and development, recognising the benefits it brings to their staff as well as the populations they serve. Clinical researchers, both university and NHS, need to be assured of appropriate time and resources to promote this agenda and develop research proposals that address the key challenges facing the service and improve outcomes for our patients. Our specialty must lead the way.