Double milestone celebration demonstrates research as integral to our future NHS
NHS Research Scotland (NRS) is marking a powerful double milestone for healthcare on 5 July, as the NHS anniversary coincides with global Research Appreciation Day
The NHS was officially founded on July 5, 1948. Decades later, major health charities established Research Appreciation Day on the same date to highlight that modern clinical care cannot exist without robust science.
It marks a significant moment to reflect on the advancement of healthcare, raise clinical trial awareness and champion the collaborative efforts of those working to drive a better future. It is also a moment to say thank you all those taking part or helping to shape clinical trials.
Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) at the Scottish Government, said: “The dual milestone of the NHS 78th anniversary and Research Appreciation Day is a timely opportunity to recognise research as a vital and integral part of our NHS.
“The treatments, diagnostics and vaccines delivered across NHS today are born out of discovery research and clinical trials. Over the last eight decades, medicine has advanced tremendously, and it is exciting to consider how much further we can go — new drugs, therapies and vaccines, as well as robotics, medical devices, digital tools, artificial intelligence, precision and preventative medicine, and better use of data.
“Research is a real team effort, and I extend my thanks to all those who make it possible. There is so much opportunity, so we must continue to drive the research and innovation agenda by harnessing Scotland’s depth of knowledge and experience to deliver the most progressive healthcare possible.”
Thousands of clinical trials take place across NHS Scotland each year, covering all therapy areas. In 2025, more than 60,000 people participated in a trial, and The Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Service Renewal Framework 2025-2035 , further commits to embedding health research and innovation across the NHS, supporting dedicated research and innovation professionals, and strengthening collaboration with the academic and life sciences sectors. It recognises this is fundamental to transforming the NHS.
Significant work is underway to support this including the establishment of four Commercial Research Delivery Centres (CRDCs), improved patient access to research in primary and community care through the Practice Embedded Research Unit (PERU) model and enhancing capacity and capability throughout the country.
The strengthening of Scotland’s research infrastructure is coupled with improving patient awareness and access to research through initiatives such as Be Part of Research and the Scottish Health Research Register and Biobank (SHARE) enabling patients to find out what health and social research is taking place in Scotland and sign up to be informed of future research activity. A growing patient and public involvement (PPI) community is also ensuring that the experiences of patients, carers and members of the public are part of the early design of research trials.
While the NHS anniversary is a national celebration, Research Appreciation Day connects Scotland to a global network of researchers across the US, Australia, Europe and Asia in a synchronised digital push to emphasise that health breakthroughs require international teamwork.
Indeed, many new drugs and diagnostics being trialled in Scotland are part of global efforts, and significant work is being undertaken to ensure Scottish patients are among the first to benefit from medical breakthroughs. Positive results are already being seen — NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recruited the first patient in Europe to a study exploring the efficacy of a new treatment for children with Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, while NHS Tayside recruited the first European patient for a gastro-oesophageal cancer trial.
By accelerating access to innovative treatments, clinical trials directly support NHS services, improve patient outcomes, and stimulate the Scottish economy through pioneering healthcare investment. Looking ahead to the next 78 years, continued dedication to health research and innovation will help ensure the NHS can evolve, thrive, and sustain future generations.
Follow celebration activity through NRS social channels.
- Read more about NHS Scotland and its history
- Read about Research Appreciation Day and join the conversation online using the hashtags #ResearchAppreciationDay #ResearchMatters #ThankAResearcher #Innovation2026 #ScienceForAll
- People in Scotland can register with SHARE, to be kept informed of future research that they could be suitable for
- Search for research opportunities via Be Part of Research
- Join a PPI Group — use your experience as a patient, carer or member of the public to help researchers design and conduct their research studies by participating in these important groups
Publication date: 3rd July 2026
