Funding partnership to benefit oncology and haematology pharmacy research

Pharmacy Research UK (PRUK) and the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) have announced a new funding partnership for 2016 that will enable pharmacists in oncology and haematology to undertake research. The BOPA-PRUK Research Awards, which will provide funding up to the value of £5,000 over 12 months, will help support, and build capacity for, research projects related to oncology and haematology pharmacy.

PRUK, which is hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), and BOPA, which grew out of the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA), hope that their collaboration will help highlight the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the healthcare community as well as provide a platform for engaging with pharmacists who are new to the world of research.

“We hope [it] will not only allow both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to undertake research but also present an opportunity for those new to research to lead their first project,” says Rachel Joynes, head of research and evaluation at PRUK and the RPS.

Carl Booth, chair of the BOPA audit and research sub-committee, says BOPA are “incredibly excited” to be launching the scheme. “We hope this funding will allow our members to explore previously unanswered questions and support the development of new skills and future opportunities.”

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to apply for the awards from 1 February 2016 and successful applications will be invited to present their research at the BOPA annual symposium in 2017.