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About the programme

The Southampton Research Leaders Programme (RLP), delivered through SoAR, is transforming research culture across University Hospital Southampton (UHS) by supporting aspiring research leaders with protected research time, leadership development, coaching and peer support.

 

Established in 2021 with the support of UHS Trust Board, the programme was designed as the local response to the decline in the clinical academic workforce to create a sustainable, diverse and research-active healthcare workforce.

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Since 2022, the programme has supported 43 participants across five multi-professional cohorts, helping clinicians and healthcare professionals from a wide range of backgrounds develop successful research careers and become champions of research within their services.

 

Delivering impact

 

The programme has generated substantial returns on investment and research activity:

  • £32.6 million secured through successful grant applications from an investment of £2.9 million

  • 659 research publications

  • 167 studies led as Principal or Chief Investigator

  • 9,869 study participants recruited

  • £3.5 million in study income generated

  • £12.45 generated for every £1 invested

 

In addition, the majority of programme participants have gone on to secure ongoing research funding, demonstrating the programme's success in creating sustainable research careers and long-term research capacity.

 

Changing research culture

 

The RLP is more than a development programme. It is a strategic investment in people, helping to embed research within everyday clinical practice and fostering a culture where research is accessible to all professions. Through protected time, mentoring, networking opportunities, and visible support from senior leaders, participants are empowered to develop research programmes, influence practice, and create opportunities for others to engage in research.

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A model for sustainable research growth

 

The success of the RLP demonstrates how targeted investment in research leadership can strengthen organisational research capacity, generate significant external funding, and improve career opportunities for healthcare professionals. By developing future research leaders and supporting culture change across clinical services, the programme is helping to ensure that research remains at the heart of patient care and innovation.

 

Programme detail

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Successful applicants are awarded protected research time equivalent to 20% WTE, typically one day per week for up to three years, to focus on agreed research objectives.

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Successful applicants will have:

  • Support from a named Research Advisor

  • Individual career development support

  • Access to cohort-based development and networking opportunities

  • Opportunities to build collaborations across professional groups and specialties

  • Support to develop sustainable research activity and attract future research funding.

 

The programme supports individuals whose ambitions focus on research delivery, clinical academic development, or a combination of both.

 

Eligibility

 

The programme is open to UHS staff on substantive contracts who can demonstrate a commitment to developing their research career.

 

Applicants must:

  • Have the support of their line manager

  • Identify a suitable Research Advisor

  • Demonstrate clear research objectives and development needs.

  • Be able to commit to protected research time and participation in programme activities.

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Application process

 

Applications are submitted through a competitive process. Assessment focuses on the applicant's proposed research objectives, development needs, potential to benefit from protected research time and the support available from both their clinical area and Research Advisor.

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The profiles of previous and current RLP award holders below provide an insight into the range of backgrounds, experiences and ambitions of successful applicants.

 

Details of future application rounds, together with guidance notes and supporting application documents, will be published on this page when available.

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Please sign up to our SoAR mailing list or contact us if you are interested in applying and would like to receive updates regarding future recruitment opportunities.

 

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