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The first UK pharmacy research strategy represents a “collective commitment to embedding research across the pharmacy workforce”, NHS England has said.
The ten-year strategy, which was published on 22 October 2026, sets out a “shared vision to make research an integral, accessible and inclusive part of every pharmacist’s and pharmacy technician’s career”.
It also outlines four strategic goals, which include building research skills and leadership, as well as creating a “research-positive” culture.
In addition, the strategy promises new and existing training programmes and pathways, mentorship opportunities in partnership with bodies — including the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) — and working with employers to ensure allocated research time.
It notes that there will be local research hubs to provide support for people engaged in research and engagement with national bodies to secure sustainable funding streams.
The strategy also pledges to provide training in the use of digital health technologies, including artificial intelligence, data science, data analytics and electronic health records.
The ten-year strategy was put together by the UK Pharmacy Research Advisory Group (PRAG), which includes the four UK chief pharmaceutical officers, as well as senior research and academic pharmacists from across the UK countries.
Success of the strategy will be measured by the number of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians engaging in research training and mentorship, as well as the number of research publications led by pharmacy professionals, NHS England said. It will also evaluate the number of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians receiving research awards.
“In practice, this means that all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, at every career stage will have research as a visible, supported and recognised part of their role,” NHS England added.
Amira Guirguis, chief scientist at RCPharm, who is a member of PRAG, said: “Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and wider pharmacy teams play an important role in generating the evidence that improves medicines use and patient outcomes, drives innovation and helps strengthen our health systems.
“We welcome the opportunity to build on this contribution by creating, encouraging and embracing opportunities for research participation and leadership across all pharmacy settings and at every stage of professional development.
“The strategy provides an important framework for strengthening research skills, career pathways and organisational support and, importantly, embedding a research-positive culture across pharmacy.
“Its success will require sustained collaboration across the four nations, and RCPharm looks forward to supporting its implementation.”
The results of a NHS England survey, published in February 2024, revealed that the pharmacy workforce was underrepresented among clinical staff taking part in clinical research training opportunities, while most pharmacy professionals who did take part in research did so as participants rather than leading the research.
