Ulster University technology expert appointed to UK Medical Science Careers Taskforce

Ulster University’s Professor Joan Condell has been appointed to a major new UK-wide taskforce established to secure the future of medical science careers. 

Launched by the Academy of Medical Sciences, the UK Medical Science Careers Taskforce brings together senior leaders from academia, the NHS, MedTech and the pharmaceutical industry to identify and address gaps across clinical and non-clinical career pathways. 

Professor Joan Condell, Professor of Intelligent Technologies at Ulster University, is among a select group of experts from across the UK appointed to shape a national plan for strengthening the medical science workforce. 

Professor Joan Condell said: “It is an honour to be asked to join such a prestigious taskforce with senior leaders from academia, the NHS, MedTech and the pharmaceutical industry. We will work together to specifically identify and address gaps across clinical and non-clinical career pathways. 

“As a Professor in Intelligent Technologies I look forward to providing input from a discipline which is non-clinical, to help create a cohesive broader understanding to address the diverse needs of the UK healthcare system. This clinical and non-clinical taskforce fosters a culture of shared governance and collaborative leadership, which is vital for the success of healthcare organisations.”

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The taskforce has been convened at a pivotal time for UK medical science. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), data science and novel therapeutics are transforming medical research and creating new opportunities to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the UK’s global leadership in life sciences. 

At the same time, the workforce is under significant strain. Career pathways for data scientists, research technicians and professionals working across MedTech and the pharmaceutical sector remain fragmented, with limited movement between the NHS, academia and industry. 

Vacant clinical academic posts have risen by 71% in the past decade, there are 24% fewer researchers at senior lecturer level, and almost a third of clinical research staff are considering leaving UK clinical research within five years. 

Dr Tony Wood FMedSci, Chief Scientific Officer at GlaxoSmithKline and co-chair of the taskforce, said: “We’re at a pivotal moment for medical science as cutting-edge technology and innovative science come together in new ways to transform the field.

"Capitalising on this requires modern medical science careers that foster the right skills and enable people to thrive while building rewarding careers that help us tackle the health challenges we face today and in the future. This taskforce is an important opportunity to work across academia, industry, and the NHS to support more people moving into both clinical and non-clinical research careers and explore how we build the way forward together.” 

Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed FMedSci, NHS Chair of Pharmacogenetics at the University of Liverpool and co-chair of the taskforce, added: “Supporting the next generation of medical scientists is essential, especially as they will become the future leaders driving medical innovation at a time of extraordinary advances in cutting-edge technologies. Yet current career pathways are far from ideal. If we are serious about realising our ambitions, we need a clear map of where the gaps lie and a plan for how to address them.” 

Professor Andrew Morris CBE FRSE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “Medical science is one of the UK’s greatest strengths. Our researchers have developed life-saving treatments, our clinical trials infrastructure played a defining role in the pandemic response and our life sciences sector is a genuine engine of economic growth across the country. 

“Sustaining this position requires investment in the talented people who make it possible. The pipeline of clinical academics is under serious strain, career pathways between the NHS, academia and industry are fragmented, and without concerted action, the UK risks ceding ground to countries that are making workforce development a deliberate national priority. 

“The Academy’s ambition is to make the UK the best place in the world to have a career in medical sciences, and this taskforce will provide the clarity and coordination that our life sciences sector needs. For the first time, we will have a detailed national map of where the gaps are, and a delivery plan backed by the organisations with the power to act on it.” 

The taskforce will draw on evidence, stakeholder consultation and international comparisons to produce a national ‘gaps and fixes’ career pathways map and inform a fully endorsed cross-sector plan by December 2026. An open consultation will launch in spring 2026. 

Ulster University will play an active role in shaping the future of medical science careers across the UK, ensuring that expertise in intelligent technologies and data-driven innovation contributes to national workforce planning and healthcare transformation.