Our latest impact report captures Academy achievements over the last year and shows how we are working to address the most pressing health issues, as well as providing innovative support for the next generation of biomedical and health researchers.
With thanks to generous donations from our supporters, we have been able to deliver activities across our key priority areas which centre around improving lives, strengthening research, supporting researchers, working globally and building our resources.
We launched the first of our regional hubs in Wales as part of our new Cross-Sector Programme, which brings together researchers from different fields to promote health innovation.
We awarded nearly £12 million to support researchers across all career stages, which includes funding 92 emerging research leaders across our grants programmes.
We influenced UK policy and practice through more than 16 events, 20 policy publications and engagement with more than 600 stakeholders and experts. As part of this, we made recommendations on ‘Futureproofing UK Health Research: a coordinated, people-centred approach’ which we are taking forward with partners across the sector and beyond.
This is in addition to our work helping to shape policy on global health inequalities in South Africa and Brazil, the role of artificial intelligence in the healthcare system, and the environmental sustainability of biomedical research.
Central to this work is our Fellowship of talented and influential individuals. In 2023, we welcomed 59 new Fellows with more women experts elected than ever before and an increase in Fellows elected from minority ethnic backgrounds. We are working to become a truly representative Academy through our growing regional activities, our collaborations with partners across the devolved nations and our partnership with networks such as the Black Women In Science network and the Proud Science Alliance.
This year, we connected with more patients and carers than ever before to involve them in informing and defining our work. Our vision is good health for all, supported by the best research and evidence. It is rooted in the fact that scientific research that translates into treatments that positively impact patients and the public gives hope to millions of people and their families around the world. This is increasingly important in a changing world with continued pressures on the NHS and the health impacts of the pandemic, climate change and growing health inequalities.
This year, the Academy is marking its 25th anniversary as the independent, expert voice of biomedical and health research – a role that has gained increasing influence and impact over time thanks to our expert Fellowship, our global network and the commitment of all our friends and supporters.
Philanthropic donations from individuals, including our Fellows, companies, trusts and foundations enable us to remain independent and to champion research, allowing us the flexibility to respond to the most pressing issues as they develop. We are especially grateful to the members of our Helix Group, who give unrestricted donations to support our work.
To help us celebrate our 25th year, we are asking all those not yet involved to consider joining the Helix Group with a gift of £25 a month. Joining the Helix Group will give you further engagement with the Academy whilst providing essential funds to help us pursue our mission.
Simon Denegri OBE, Executive Director of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:
“Our heartfelt thanks to all our supporters, Fellows and awardees who are vital in helping us create an open and progressive research sector to improve the health of people everywhere. We are investing in initiatives that best support the diversity and depth of research talent in the UK and look forward to bringing together our community, partners and patients to support this common cause over the coming anniversary year and beyond.”
Impact report 2022-2023