The qualitative project, Not Seeing Anyone There, involved interviews with 25 participants, including 18 researchers of Black heritage and seven senior academic leaders.
While some participants described supportive mentors and chance opportunities that enabled them to enter research careers, none of the Black researchers interviewed had ever held a Professor or Chair of Primary Care role.
Participants reported persistent barriers to career progression, including structural inequities, racism and discrimination, opaque academic cultures, short-term contracts, and additional challenges faced by international researchers, such as visa insecurity. A lack of visible role models at senior levels was widely seen as undermining confidence, aspirations and a sense of belonging.
The study identifies key enablers for change, including proactive and inclusive leadership, meaningful mentorship and sponsorship, tailored training, and safe networking spaces. It also calls for greater visibility of Black researchers’ career journeys and long-term investment in strengthening the research pipeline.
To support dissemination and accessibility of the findings, an infographic has been created highlighting key insights and recommendations from the study, offering a clear and engaging overview of the main themes.
The authors conclude that improving representation in primary care research leadership is essential not only for equity, but also for producing research that is relevant, inclusive and responsive to the diverse communities served by the NHS.