The training and careers group (TCG) is responsible for developing the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) strategy for non-clinical and clinical training, careers and skills. The TCG takes a broad, long-term perspective on MRC’s role and strategy in meeting skills shortages, the academic needs of trainees, clear career pathways, and the skills needs of the future.
It assists MRC in coordinating the research training strategy with other organisations including the National Institute for Health Research, industry, professional organisations and the other research councils. The group liaises with MRC research boards and the other overview groups to ensure training and research strategies are aligned.
Membership from 1 April 2024
- Professor Rosalind Smyth (Chair), University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
- Professor Marina Botto (Clinical Panel Chair), Imperial College London
- Professor Marion Campbell, University of Aberdeen
- Professor Umberto D’Alessandro, MRC Unit The Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Professor Diana Eccles, University of Southampton
- Professor Ryan Hicks, Independent
- Professor Matt Lambon-Ralph (Non-Clinical Panel Chair), MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge
- Professor Elizabeth Patton, The University of Edinburgh
- Professor Rachel Upthegrove, University of Birmingham
- Professor Louise Wain, University of Leicester
- Professor Lucy Wedderburn, University College London
See the training and careers group conflicts of interest register.
Contacts
Dr Joanna Robinson, Associate Director, Research Talent, Skills and Careers
Email: joanna.robinson@mrc.ukri.org
MRC training and careers strategy
Projects, bodies and committee:
- MRC training and careers group
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Talent Strategy Leadership Team (TSLT)
- Clinical Academic Training Forum (CATF)
Dr David Pan, Head of Programme
Email: david.pan@mrc.ukri.org
Operational oversight of MRC career funding opportunities
MRC strategic activities
Projects, bodies and committees:
- MRC training and careers group
- UKRI Research Careers Network
- CATF
Dr Tom Beattie, Programme Manager for Doctoral Strategy
Email: tom.beattie@mrc.ukri.org
Patch:
- MRC doctoral training policy and strategy
- MRC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)
Projects, bodies and committees:
- MRC training and careers group
- UKRI Research and Innovation Careers Network Operations Group
Dr Nassim El Achi, Programme Manager for Clinical Careers (currently on maternity leave)
Email: nassim.elachi@mrc.ukri.org
Patch:
- strategy for clinical careers
- transition to independence fellowships (clinician scientist fellowships)
- Academy of Medical Sciences starter grants for clinical lecturers
Projects, bodies and committees:
- MRC training and careers group
Dr Nicola Faramarzi, Programme Manager for Clinical Careers
Email: nicola.faramarzi@mrc.ukri.org
Patch:
- clinical research training fellowships
- MRC lead for UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) scheme
Projects, bodies and committees:
- MRC training and careers group
- various FLF committees and project areas
Dr Ezat Sajedi, Programme Manager for Non-Clinical Careers
Email: ezat.sajedi@mrc.ukri.org
Patch:
- strategy for non-clinical careers
- transition to independence fellowships (Career Development Awards)
- oversight of new investigator research grants
Projects, bodies and committees:
- MRC training and careers group
Jude Hancock, Funding Manager for Non-Clinical Fellowships
Email: jude.hancock@mrc.ukri.org
Competitions:
- non-clinical fellowships (Career Development Awards)
Annie McKeown, Funding Manager for Studentships and Transition Support
Email: anne.mckeown@mrc.ukri.org
Competitions:
- MRC DTPs
- UKRI FLF scheme (MRC-related applications)
Projects, bodies and committees:
- secretariat for MRC training and careers group
- MRC studentship reporting and data capture
Zoe Walker, Funding Manager for Clinical Fellowships
Email: zoe.walker@mrc.ukri.org
Competitions:
- clinical fellowships (clinical research training fellowships, clinician scientist fellows)
- contact for joint funding matters
Last updated: 13 March 2025