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Approximately 21% of the population of the UK is under 18 years old, 1 and 40% of general practice appointments are for children,2 as well as over 10% of hospital encounters.3 Paediatric research is vital to ensure that these patients receive evidence-based care. However, only approximately 5% of the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) portfolio-adopted research studies fall under the children specialty, and publications in paediatric journals are much less likely to describe randomised controlled trials when compared with adult literature.4 5 Contributing to this is a lack of embedded research careers within paediatrics, with only 5.4% of consultants directly involved in research6 and fewer academic paediatricians than in equivalent adult specialties.7 Paediatric trainees report that a lack of academic culture at work reduces their research involvement.8 The involvement of clinical staff in research is vital in promoting recruitment, adherence and maintenance of ethical standards and may be facilitated by Clinical Research Training Programmes (CRTPs).