The UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO) announced in February 2024 that places on the specialised foundation programme (SFP) will be allocated by a “preference information allocation” system—a random number generator.1 This randomised system removes both the autonomy of applicants and the ability of SFP providers to select suitable candidates.2 Randomly allocating research opportunities is inefficient and does not maximise the potential of applicants or the research outputs of universities. The changes must be revised, if not reversed, or they will undermine the future of the SFP.There has been significant opposition to the proposed changes, especially from students and clinical academics.34 Much of the criticism has focused on the false pretence of “widening participation”5 as an attempt to mask the problem underlying the changes—oversubscription of the SFP caused by UKFPO’s previous changes.678 The BMA’s Medical Students Committee and Medical Academic Staff Committee have warned that this decision jeopardises the long term…
