Junior researchers are crucial to the future of paediatric research

Junior researchers are central to the success and sustainability of paediatric research at GOSH and the University College London Institute of Child Health. Through the Junior Faculty in the NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), we are supporting the engine of current research activity and the foundation for future leadership in paediatric translational science.

In the NIHR GOSH BRC, the Junior Faculty sit at the heart of the Career Development Academy (CDA), which supports researchers across all career stages and professions. Since 2022 alone, the CDA has invested nearly £6 million in training and development, supporting hundreds of individuals and creating a pipeline of talent from early career through to independence. Junior Faculty not only benefit from this support but actively shape it - leading training initiatives, designing funding schemes, and contributing to the strategic direction of the NIHR GOSH BRC.

One of their most significant contributions is bridging the gap between post-doctoral training and research independence. Through programmes such as the Catalyst Fellowships and Intermediate Fellowships - designed and driven by the Junior Faculty - early career researchers receive protected time, mentoring and tailored support to secure major external funding and establish their own research groups. This investment delivers substantial returns: fellows have secured millions in external funding, produced high-impact publications, and progressed into leadership positions within the BRC and beyond.

Beyond individual success, Junior Faculty strengthen the wider research ecosystem. They foster a collaborative, multidisciplinary culture by bringing together clinicians, scientists and wider healthcare professionals, ensuring that research reflects real-world clinical priorities. Their leadership of initiatives such as seminar series, networking events and national training programmes creates a vibrant, inclusive community that supports knowledge-sharing and innovation.

Importantly, Junior Faculty also play a critical role in retention. By providing structured career pathways, mentorship and opportunities for progression, our BRC is able to retain talented researchers who might otherwise leave academia. This helps build long-term capacity in paediatric research and ensures continuity in tackling some of the most complex childhood diseases.

Importantly, Junior Faculty also play a critical role in retention. By providing structured career pathways, mentorship and opportunities for progression, our BRC is able to retain talented researchers who might otherwise leave academia. This helps build long-term capacity in paediatric research and ensures continuity in tackling some of the most complex childhood diseases.

In essence, Junior Faculty are not simply trainees - they are active contributors, innovators and leaders. By empowering this group, the NIHR GOSH BRC is investing not only in individual careers but in the future of child health research, ensuring a strong, sustainable pipeline of researchers who will drive discoveries from bench to bedside.

"Being a Junior Faculty Colead has given me a valuable insight into the operational running of the NIHR GOSH BRC, as well as the opportunity to help shape the training and development of other early career researchers

“I have gained so much leadership experience in this role, and it has been an incredible career development opportunity for me”

The Junior Faculty Co-Lead position provides the opportunity to help shape mentoring programmes, advocate for early career researchers, further develop my leadership skills, and gain valuable insights into research culture and strategic direction.

“It is a privilege to serve as a voice for early career researchers. There’s nothing more rewarding than supporting young scientists and watching them flourish in their research careers.”

As Junior Faculty Co-Lead, I have the opportunity to work with a diverse community of clinical and non-clinical early career researchers, supporting initiatives that foster career development and create an inclusive research environment where everyone can thrive.

“Being a Junior Faculty Co-Lead is a rewarding opportunity to advocate for colleagues and to help build a community where everyone feels supported to achieve their career goals.”