The NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) has appointed a cohort of five Commercial Pharmacy Research Fellows, creating a new national network of pharmacy professionals who will help expand commercial research across community pharmacy and primary care settings. They will join SPCR’s existing cohort of 11 Commercial Research Fellows in General Practice and a newly appointed cohort of 11 Commercial Research Fellows in Nursing. A further six Commercial Pharmacy Research Fellows will be recruited for a Spring 2027 start. Together, these fellows represent a diverse range of professional backgrounds and regions across England from SPCR’s nine member institutions as well as the Universities of Birmingham and Newcastle.
The fellows will work to strengthen research delivery pathways and increase participation in commercial clinical trials across primary care. Supported through dedicated protected time, mentorship and training, the fellowship programme aims to build capacity and expertise to support the growth of commercial research activity in general practice and community pharmacy.
The five fellows, Clare Daly, Ziad Laklouk, Tomazo Kallis, Jainil Patel and Ade Williams, collectively bring expertise spanning community pharmacy, primary care, research delivery networks, NHS system leadership, workforce development and research implementation.
Professor Christian Mallen, Director of the NIHR School for Primary Care Research:
“We are delighted to launch the SPCR Commercial Fellowships in Pharmacy and to welcome this exceptional first cohort of five fellows. These appointments mark an important milestone in strengthening commercial research capacity across primary care and recognising the vital contribution pharmacists make to research and innovation.”
Professor Tracey Thornley, University of Nottingham, Cohort Lead for the fellowship programme:
“This is an exceptionally strong and complementary cohort. Together, the fellows bring experience across research delivery, primary care, community pharmacy, system leadership and implementation. By working collectively and learning from one another, they will be well placed to tackle barriers to commercial research delivery and create new opportunities for patients, pharmacy teams and industry partners.”
The programme reflects SPCR’s commitment to strengthening research capacity in primary care and supporting innovative approaches to commercial research delivery. Fellows will develop specialist expertise, share learning nationally and help establish new partnerships to support the adoption and growth of commercial studies across community pharmacy and general practice settings.
Professor Darren Ashcroft, SPCR Board Member and Director for NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration:
“Investing in talented pharmacy professionals is essential if we are to realise the full potential of primary care as a setting for commercial research. This fellowship programme brings together individuals with strong networks and a shared ambition to increase research participation, improve collaboration and ensure that patients can benefit from greater access to research opportunities within their local communities.”
Over the next 18 months, the fellows will form a national peer network, helping to shape the future of commercial research delivery in pharmacy and contributing to SPCR’s wider ambition to increase research activity across primary care.
