Published: 29 January 2026

This week, we held our second AMRC Medical Research Charity Showcase. We were joined by 60 of our members, along with MPs and Peers from across political parties, and representatives from the life sciences sector.

Our speakers included Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, Minister for Health Innovation and Safety; Kit Malthouse MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Life Sciences; Dr Louise Wood, Chair of AMRC; Nicola Perrin, Chief Executive of AMRC; and Dr Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.

All of our speakers highlighted the vital role that charities play in the UK research ecosystem, not just as major funders, but as trusted partners, catalysts for innovation, and champions of patients.

The speakers also noted the scale and impact of charity-funded research. In 2024, AMRC members invested £1.6 billion in medical research, supporting over 25,000 researcher salaries and 1,216 NHS posts (2025: Our sector's footprint).

Non-commercial research contributed an estimated £72.7 billion to the UK economy between 2014–2024, and papers backed by both commercial and non-commercial funders received almost double the number of citations as non-collaborative publications (Health and growth: How non-commercial clinical research benefits the UK).

Speakers highlighted that Medical and health charities are now the top cause to donate to in the UK (UK Giving Report 2025: Trends in giving). Polling from the Campaign for Science and Engineering shows that charities are the most trusted voice on research and innovation (Public Attitudes to R&D and Charities 2026). Minister Ahmed also emphasised charities’ key role in shifting the focus from sickness to prevention (Charities in action: Preventing ill health).

The event enabled parliamentarians to get up close and personal with charity-funded research. Nine interactive exhibits were set up around the room covering all stages of research across a range of disease areas. These included Anthony Nolan’s Spectra Optia stem cell collection machine; Arthritis UK’s “FishEye” VR headsets which gave an immersive experience of osteoarthritis research; and Wellbeing of Women’s showcase of research into heavy menstrual bleeding, using fake blood to improve understanding of gynaecologic conditions. These and further impressive displays helped attendees build an understanding of the variety of medical research our members fund across the UK.

Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with other charities, research organisations and parliamentarians, as well as taking photos with our #CharityShowcase pledge cards.

A big thank you everyone who came along.