The article discusses the need for a proper career pathway for clinical trial managers in the UK. It highlights the different pathways currently available for trial managers employed in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the challenges they face in terms of recognition, professional development, and career progression. The article presents survey data from trial managers and Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) to demonstrate the dissatisfaction with the current pathways and the need for change. It also mentions the University of Liverpool's alternative pathway, called the Research Technical Professional (RTP) career pathway, as a potential solution. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the specialist skills of trial managers and providing them with opportunities for career development. [Extracted from the article]