Trends in research grant applications and outcomes among medical students in the United Kingdom: a national self-reported cross-sectional survey

Background

Research funding disparities contribute to clinical academic workforce inequalities. Hence, our study explores the association between student demographics and research grant application rates and outcomes among UK medical students.

Methods

This is a national multicentre cross-sectional survey of UK medical students in the 2020–21 academic year. Multiple zero-inflated negative binomial regression and generalized linear model (binomial distribution; logit link) were utilized to investigate the association between student demographics, number of grant applications submitted, and successful grant applications (yes or no). P-values less than a Bonferroni-corrected significance level of 0.05/36 = 0.0014 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results

A total of 1528 students participated from 36 medical schools. One hundred fifty-one respondents (9.9%) had applied for research grants. Black students submitted applications 2.90 times more often than white students [Incident rate ratio (IRR): 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37–6.16], with no ethnic disparity in the odds of successful applications. Gender did not influence application rates significantly (P = .248), but women were 4.61 times more likely to secure a grant than men [odds ratio: 4.61, 95% CI: 2.04–10.4]. Being a PubMed-indexed author was associated with increased grant application submission rates [IRR: 3.61, 95% CI: 2.20– 5.92] while conducting more research was associated with greater odds of securing a grant [odds ratio: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.17– 1.73]. Conclusion

Although black students submitted more applications, ethnicity did not influence success rates. Gender did not influence application rates, but women were more successful. These findings underscore the need for strategies supporting women and underrepresented students for continued academic achievement after graduation.

Key Messages

What is already known on this topic Research funding for post-PhD researchers is believed to be a major driver of gender and ethnic inequalities in the clinical academic workforce. Students who receive research grants are more likely to receive postgraduate research grants.

What this study adds

Black students applied for more research grants than white students, but there were no ethnic differences in the odds of securing a grant.

There were no gender differences in the research grant application rates. However, female students had greater odds of securing research grants compared to male students.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy

Medical schools should incorporate grant writing skills into the undergraduate research curriculum. Also, to sustain women’s academic success post medical school, the NIHR and affiliates should provide research award extensions and childcare support for women when required.