Extension of Wellcome's Partnership Schemes with the AMS

The Academy of Medical Sciences is extending four funding schemes backed by Wellcome to support early-career researchers and clinicians in the UK and Middle East. These schemes address a critical gap: talented biomedical and social science researchers often struggle to secure their first independent funding or gain international experience, while clinical lecturers need small grants to test ideas before applying for larger awards. Without such targeted support, promising research can stall before it begins. If the extension succeeds, it will keep a pipeline of early-career researchers active in fields from fundamental biology to medical humanities. The Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers allow clinicians to conduct small-scale studies alongside their NHS duties, potentially translating bedside observations into research questions. Springboard grants give newly independent researchers their first chance to hire staff and buy equipment. The Daniel Turnberg Travel Fellowships build research links between the UK and the Middle East, fostering collaborations that might otherwise never form. INSPIRE introduces medical, dental and veterinary undergraduates to research careers, addressing a long-term workforce need. This is primarily a capacity-building initiative rather than a single scientific discovery. Its impact will be measured in people supported and careers launched, not in a specific breakthrough.