1. Personal Clinical Academic Training Awards
Dr Mal Palin
Programme Manager
NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre
15/11/2013

2. Personal Research Training Awards Within The NIHR System
Faculty
Trainees
(Award Holders)
Investigators & Senior Investigators
Associates
Universities
Infrastructure
Research
Clinical Research Networks
NHS Trusts
Research Projects & Programmes
Patients & Public
Clinical Research Facilities, Centres & Units
Research Schools
Research Management Systems
Research Information Systems
Systems

3. NIHR TCC Research Career Pathways
Level of
Award
Undergraduate
Chair
Senior /
Pre Chair
(early to senior)
Post Doctoral
Doctoral
Pre Doctoral
Methodologists
Methodology
Programme
NIHR Research Methods Fellowships and Internships
NIHR Masters Studentships in Health Economics or Medical Statistics
Healthcare
Scientists
HCS
Programme
NIHR/HEE Health Care Science
Doctoral Fellowships
Post-Doctoral Fellowships
NIHR/HEE
Senior Clinical Lectureships
NIHR
Doctoral Research
Fellowships
Post-Doctoral Fellowships
NIHR Career Development Fellowships
NIHR Senior
Research Fellowships
NIHR Research Professorships
NIHR Transitional Research Fellowships
NIHR Clinical Trials Fellowships
NIHR Knowledge Mobilisation Research Fellowships
All Professions
NIHR Fellowships, Professorships and Other Awards
Nurses, Midwives,
AHPs
Clinical Academic Training Programme
NIHR/HEE Masters in
Clinical Research
NIHR/HEE Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowships
NIHR/HEE
Senior Clinical Lectureships
Clinical Lectureships
Doctors and Dentists
NIHR Integrated
Academic Training
Programme
NIHR Clinical Lectureships
NIHR Clinician Scientist Awards
NIHR
In-Practice Fellowships
NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships

4. All submitted proposals must fall within NIHR Remit
NIHR supports training in clinical and applied health research, including social care research.
The proposal must have clear potential for benefitting patients and the public within 5 years of its completion (but recognising the training element of the research).
The research can involve: patients; samples or data from patients; people who are not patients; populations; health technology assessment; or health services research.
NIHR does not support basic research or work involving animals or their tissue.

5. NIHR Remit (2) If the work involves biomarkers:
research that tests whether application of new knowledge can improve treatment or patient outcomes, and has obvious potential benefit within 5 years, is within remit; This might include application of known biomarkers, or other prognostic factors, to refine and test novel therapeutic strategies.
research that aims only to elucidate mechanisms underpinning disease, or identify risk factors for disease or prognosis (including search for biomarkers) is out of remit.
NIHR is also prepared to support research into medical education.

6. NIHR Fellowships, Professorships and Other Awards
NIHR TCC Research Career Pathways
Level of
Award
Undergraduate
Chair
Senior /
Pre Chair
(early to senior)
Post Doctoral
Doctoral
Pre Doctoral
Methodologists
Methodology
Programme
Healthcare
Scientists
HCS
Programme
All Professions
NIHR Fellowships, Professorships and Other Awards
Nurses, Midwives,
AHPs
Clinical Academic Training Programme
NIHR/HEE Masters in
Clinical Research
NIHR/HEE Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowships
NIHR/HEE
Senior Clinical Lectureships
Clinical Lectureships
Doctors and Dentists
NIHR Integrated
Academic Training
Programme

7. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training (CAT) Programme
Supports registered nurses, midwives and allied health professionals committed to developing a career which combines research and continued clinical practice.
Eligible professions:
Nurse Orthotist
Midwife Music Therapist
Art Therapist Paramedic
Dietitian Physiotherapist
Diagnostic Radiographer Podiatrist/chiropodist
Drama Therapist Prosthetist
Occupational Therapist Speech and Language Therapist
Orthoptist Therapeutic Radiographer

8. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training Programme
NIHR/HEE Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship
NIHR/HEE Masters in Clinical Research
Programme funds HEIs to advertise and award places
147 funded places p.a.
For NHS/NHS funded staff
Backfill costs and course fees covered
Leeds
St Georges
Brighton
City
Birmingham
Kings
Newcastle
UEA
Nottingham
Manchester
Sheffield
Southampton
PhD research whilst also working and developing clinically
3 years FT (4 or 5 years PT)
Salary, PhD tuition fees, research, training & development costs covered (100% NHS, 80% HEI except training &
Must be based at an English NHS trust, other health care organisation or HEI
Min 1 yr clinical experience and current registration with NMC or HCPC
Need good academic and clinical support

9. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training Programme
NIHR/HEE Senior Clinical Lectureship
NIHR/HEE Clinical Lectureship
3 year (4 or 5 years PT) post-doctoral award for clinical practice and academic research (50:50)
Requires support from a partnership of a HEI and an NHS trust, which must both commit to support the applicant post award
Up to 50% of salary plus research, training and development costs
˂5 years WTE post-doctoral research experience
Min 1 year WTE in clinical practice, current registration with NMC or HCPC and PhD or submission
Senior (pre-Chair) 5 year award for clinical practice and academic research (50:50)
Requires support from a partnership of a HEI and an NHS trust, which must both commit to support the applicant post award
Up to 50% of salary plus research, training and development costs
>5 years clinical experience and high research output
Excellent or exceptionally promising track record as clinical academic researcher (outputs & grants)

10. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training Programme
CAT Masters
CAT Clinical Doctoral
Research Fellowship
CAT Clinical Lectureship
CAT Senior Clinical Lectureship
Round 1
(2009)
70/yr for next 3 years
(across 7 HEIs)
100 applied
15 awarded
22 applied
10 awarded
4 applied
1 awarded
Round 2
(2010)
64 applied
16 awarded
12 applied
6 awarded
18 applied
5 awarded
Round 3
(2012/13)
147/yr for next 3 years
(across 12 HEIs)
65 applied
12 awarded
13 applied
Round 4
(2013)
62 applied
14 applied
3 applied

11. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training Programme

12. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training Programme

13. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training Programme

14. NIHR / HEE Clinical Academic Training Programme

15. NIHR Fellowships, Professorships and Other Awards
NIHR TCC Research Career Pathways
Level of
Award
Undergraduate
Chair
Senior /
Pre Chair
(early to senior)
Post Doctoral
Doctoral
Pre Doctoral
Methodologists
Methodology
Programme
Healthcare
Scientists
HCS
Programme
NIHR
Doctoral Research
Fellowships
Post-Doctoral Fellowships
NIHR Career Development Fellowships
NIHR Senior
Research Fellowships
NIHR Transitional Research Fellowships
All Professions
NIHR Fellowships, Professorships and Other Awards
Nurses, Midwives,
AHPs
Clinical Academic Training Programme
Doctors and Dentists
NIHR Integrated
Academic Training
Programme

16. Annual competitions for all levels
NIHR Fellowships
What does a NIHR Fellowship provide?
Salary (100% NHS, 80% HEI)
PhD tuition fees (for DRF)
Research costs (100% NHS, 80% HEI)
HEI employers also receive indirect costs e.g. estates, facilities at 80%
Training and development costs (100%)
CDFs and SRFs may apply for Research Assistant support
DRF/PDF/CDF - 3 years full-time or 4/5 years part-time
SRF – 5 years full-time or part-time
Annual competitions for all levels
Launch - October
Close - January

17. NIHR Fellowships Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship
Doctoral training award to individuals of outstanding potential, early in research career
To undertake a PhD
To increase research skills
Applicant:
Some previous research experience
Some outputs from research
Evidence of commitment to research career
If already registered PhD < 1 yr FT
Early post-doc training award to individuals of outstanding potential as researchers
To develop postdoctoral research experience & skills
To increase independence
Applicant:
PhD/MD (or submitted)
< 3 yrs WTE post-doc research experience
Research output (publications, grant applications)
Clear commitment to research career

18. NIHR Fellowships Senior Research Fellowship
Career Development Fellowship
Later post-doc award
To gain full research independence
Develop research capacity of self and others
Applicant:
PhD/MD and significant postdoctoral experience (˂ 7 yrs WTE post-doc research experience)
Significant research output
Evidence of increasing independence
Experience of developing research skills of others
5 years ( aiming towards Chair)
Potential to become academic and research leader within award time
Applicant:
Significant postdoctoral experience
Outstanding publication record
Independence
Leadership potential
Record of research capacity
development

19. NIHR Fellowships Doctoral Research Post Doctoral Career Development
Senior Research
Total
Round 1
(Awarded2008)
109 applied
12 awarded 57 7 26 18 3 29
Round 2
(Awarded2009)
152 54 9 36 16 1 46
Round 3
(Awarded2010)
158 32 59 35 4 10 44
Round 4
(Awarded2011)
155 28 82 58 11 19 2
Round 5 (Awarded2012)
217 34
105 41 6
Round 6
(Awarded2013)
181 30 84 15 5 53

20. NIHR Fellowships – application numbers

21. NIHR Fellowships – success rates

22. NIHR TCC Research Career Pathways
Level of
Award
Undergraduate
Chair
Senior /
Pre Chair
(early to senior)
Post Doctoral
Doctoral
Pre Doctoral
Methodologists
Methodology
Programme
Healthcare
Scientists
HCS
Programme
NIHR/HEE Health Care Science
Doctoral Fellowships
Post-Doctoral Fellowships
NIHR/HEE
Senior Clinical Lectureships
All Professions
NIHR Fellowships, Professorships and Other Awards
Nurses, Midwives,
AHPs
Clinical Academic Training Programme
Doctors and Dentists
NIHR Integrated
Academic Training
Programme

23. NIHR/CSO Healthcare Science Research Fellowships
Supports individuals in the NHS healthcare science workforce who wish to bridge clinical/service careers and research. The research proposed must be of direct relevance to the NHS with the potential to improve service and/or clinical outcomes.
Eligible working areas: biology, physiology, physics and engineering
Within seven healthcare science themes:
Cardiac, vascular, respiratory, sleep
Neurosensory
Infection
Blood
Cellular
Medical physics
Clinical engineering
Round
Applied
Awarded 1: 41
10 (1 Doctoral, 9 Post-Doc) 2: 37
15 (7 Doctoral, 8 Post-Doc)
3: 2012 21
10 (8 Doctoral, 2 Post-Doc)

24. NIHR/CSO Healthcare Science Research Fellowships
Doctoral Research Fellowship
3 years FT (4 or 5 years PT)
Must be employed by NHS & supported by academic partner
Must have completed professional training (HPC)
Need to register PhD at HEI
Research experience and/or training (e.g. MSc, BSc, publications)
Post-doctoral Research Fellowship
2 years FT (3 or 4 years PT)
No more than 3 years WTE postdoctoral research experience
Evidenced of research output
Develop potential to be an independent researcher (collaborations, grant applications, publications)
NIHR/CNO/HEFCE
Senior Academic Clinical Lecturer (Round )
Award covers: salary, direct research costs; training & development costs and tuition fees (doctoral)

25. NIHR TCC Research Career Pathways
Level of
Award
Undergraduate
Chair
Senior /
Pre Chair
(early to senior)
Post Doctoral
Doctoral
Pre Doctoral
Methodologists
Methodology
Programme
Healthcare
Scientists
HCS
Programme
All Professions
NIHR Fellowships, Professorships and Other Awards
Nurses, Midwives,
AHPs
Clinical Academic Training Programme
Doctors and Dentists
NIHR Integrated
Academic Training
Programme
NIHR Clinical Lectureships
NIHR Clinician Scientist Awards
NIHR
In-Practice Fellowships
NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships

26. NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships
250 places per year
Academic and clinical training
For entrants to specialty training
25% academic research
Support in making application for training fellowship leading to higher degree
Up to 3 years (4 for GPs)
£1000 bursaries
Structured Research Training Programme (RTP)

27. NIHR Clinical Lectureships
Academic and clinical training (ST3 and above) for those with a higher degree
Available to qualified GPs and GDPs
50% academic research
Support in making application for Clinician Scientist Award or similar
Up to 4 years
End point marked by CCT and substantial piece of post-doctoral research.
£1000 bursaries
Generally advertised by HEIs (March-March)

28. NIHR Clinician Scientist Award
Postdoctoral award
open to StRs/SpRs/consultants -medics or dentist
5 years duration
Applicants retain clinical duties appropriate for gaining CCT
Up to 4 NHS clinical sessions a week post CCT
Pays for salary, research costs and training
Pays research assistant salary (3 years only)
Applicant:
PhD/MD (or have submitted) with good output from research
Evidence of commitment to research career
Expectation of ongoing employment at the end of award
Launch annually (Round 13 - April 2013 Closing July 2013)

29. Assessment Applications are assessed on strength of : Candidate
Research Proposal
Training and Development Plan
Environment / Supervision / Mentorship
Value for Money
Full assessment criteria are published in the applicant guidance notes

30. Assessment
Full assessment criteria are published in the applicant guidance notes
The criteria published are the very same (and the only) criteria we ask our review panel members to score your application against.
Make sure all of the listed criteria are addressed – don’t leave any gaps or your scores will suffer.

31. Advice to Applicants The applicant:
Demonstrate your trajectory / potential for research leadership
Describe your research experience / awareness and commitment to research leadership as expansively as possible
If you think you lack experience then get some – volunteer to help out on existing research and audits, posters, presentations etc
Answer the questions that pertain to your career intentions carefully – these are not designed to catch you out but remember the purpose of the programme!
Sell yourself and use the space provided

32. Advice to Applicants The research proposal:
The proposal must be appropriate to level and carefully constructed with a clear hypothesis and achievable aims and objectives
Your research MUST fit the NIHR remit and address important areas for the NHS
The proposal should not be dependent on funding from other sources or other larger project receiving and maintaining funding
Make sure to explain HOW you will proceed – if a panel member cannot determine inclusion criteria, recruitment approaches or sample sizes from your proposal they cannot approve your methodology

33. Advice to Applicants The Training and Development Plan:
Remember that the purpose of the programme is to develop the research leaders of the future
Tailor your plan – don’t just propose the generic programme offered by your host HEI
Take the opportunity to address your weaknesses as well as the needs of the study with a view to your career development post-award
If your proposal involves methods you are not familiar with then seek training in this area – but don’t be tokenistic

34. Advice to Applicants The Environment / Supervision / Mentorship:
Base yourself strategically - the purpose of the award is to support your development and research career - there needs to be local scope and support for this
Build a team of mentors/supervisors that can, between them, afford expert guidance on every aspect of your study
Justify your choice of mentors/supervisors
If applying for a doctoral fellowship then your supervisor must have good experience of supervision to completion AND the time to supervise you.

35. Advice to Applicants Value for money:
NIHR personal awards do not have a maximum value
Funding requests vary greatly as a result of varying salaries, approaches, and fields of study
All costs must be justifiable and fully justified – research your options
The total cost must represent and appropriate and reasonable price for what is being proposed and what will be gained

36. Common Mistakes “We will….”
Your stated career intentions are not supported by the programme
Your training and development plan is copied from your Post Doc brochure
You have no idea why your sample size is X “My statistician said…..”
Your required sample size is very (too) ambitious
You have not considered the impact of unanticipated outcomes on related / dependent work streams
You have not considered alternative approaches and analytical techniques
Your supervisors have never supervised to completion before
You haven’t contacted Professor Z for mentorship (do you even know who she is?!)

37. Advice Summary
Understand the process – visit our website ( read the guidance notes and talk to those with experience Give yourself enough time – to be fair to those that meet deadlines, we reject applications from those that don’t You WILL need input from your department, supervisors, mentors and finance office – allow for sickness, competing priorities and overseas holidays Have your application speed and/or proof read if possible - can the reader describe your methodology? Seek help – Supervisors, the RDS, your Local Research Office etc. Arrange internal peer reviews, mock panels and interviews.

39. NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre Leeds Innovation Centre
103 Clarendon Road
Leeds LS2 9DF
Tel:
Fax: