Joint Statement: Cuts to clinical academic funding are a health security threat

23 July 2026 (Last updated: 28 Aug 2026 17:54)

BASHH recently published a joint statement outlining our concerns about proposed cuts to clinical academic funding and the potential impact on the UK's ability to deliver pioneering research that reduces the burden of infectious diseases on society.

Developed alongside the British Infection Association (BIA), British HIV Association (BHIVA), and Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), we emphasise the vital role clinical academics play in translating research into practice, shaping national treatment guidelines and strengthening the NHS response to current and emerging health threats.

Together, we also reiterate the significant contribution that infection specialists and researchers have made to advancing HIV care and prevention, the control of sexually transmitted infections, and pandemic preparedness.

As professional societies representing the infection workforce, we are concerned that reductions in funding could undermine the development of future clinical academic leaders and weaken the UK's capacity to advance research, innovation and evidence-based patient care.

“In this current climate, investments, not cuts, are required to secure the future of UK clinical academia in infection.”

Read the full statement here.