Science and Research

By supporting science and research we support the future of medicines

Without innovation, there is no pharmacy

Through science and research, we discover and develop effective medicines. We set the safest standards for their regulation and use.

We are here to support science, research, evidence and innovation in pharmacy across all areas.

Our work:

• NIHR eLearning Modules - An interactive educational resource that supports pharmacy professionals in starting their research journey. Accessible for all healthcare professionals
• Pharmacy Research Guides - In-depth guidance covering all research stages, from developing your research question to project evaluation.
• Pharmacy Research Funding Opportunities Hub - An up-to-date hub where you can find funding opportunities for your research projects, covering opportunities available across all career stages and sectors
• Research Support Service - Our support service can help you through all research stages, from planning and developing a research proposal to publishing and disseminating your research. Contact our team and request support here
• Chief Scientist's monthly blog - A monthly Opinion blog published in the Pharmaceutical Journal discussing pharmacy research, written by our Chief Scientist, Professor Parastou Donyai and/or our Deputy Chief Scientist, Professor Diane Ashiru-Oredope
• RPS Pharmaceutical Science Awards - A range of awards across all career stages which recognise excellence in pharmaceutical science
• Self-selection of Pharmacy Medicines - Our team conducted a Call for Evidence and systematic literature review to identify existing benefits or harms associated with a facilitated-/self-selection model for Pharmacy Medicines (PMEDs)
• Medication Shortages - We conducted comprehensive scoping reviews to understand the causes of and potential solutions to medication shortages in the UK and the relative impact on patients, as recorded by Serious Shortage Protocols. This contributed to the RPS' call for action to the Government, updated medication shortages policy, and the landmark report titled "Medicines Shortages: Solutions for empty shelves"
• PharmSci Today podcast - Hosted by former Chief Scientist, Professor Gino Martini. Episodes are no longer being released, but all recordings are accessible here

Our support services and resources

We offer a number of support services to help your research and evaluation activities.  These range from 1:1 sessions offering dedicated support, to more mock interviews for PhD or funding opportunities, to detailed guidance documents and signposting to related training and development opportunities.

If you are new to research or hoping to develop your skills further, we can help you.

Click here to complete a support request form! 

Our Awards

We showcase and recognise the science and research expertise of our members with three prestigious awards:

• Hanbury Memorial Medal, presented to individuals with a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical sciences
• Harrison Memorial Medal, presented to RPS members who have made an outstanding contribution in advancing pharmaceutical science
• OPERA (Outstanding Pharmacy Early-career Researcher Award), presented to early-career pharmacy researchers for their exceptional efforts and contributions to research in the pharmacy profession.

Check out this year's award winners