Training NIHR clinical academic trainee awards
Imperial College has been allocated 21 Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACF) and 8 Clinical Lecturers (CL) in the most recent round of awards (2016/17) from the NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre. Of these, 3 ACFs and 1 CL were won competitively. The application was coordinated by the Imperial Clinical Academic Training Office (CATO).
In considering our application, the NIHR commented that;
“The Panel considered this to be an excellent bid. The School has an outstanding track record. The programme was thought to be well-organised, with good local research opportunities, academic progress, and supervision. Imperial has a wealth of expertise. The Panel lauded the formal mentorship and buddy scheme, the annual confidential feedback survey, the flexible approach to research time, and the links with the BRC. The School’s track record was deemed to be excellent with high fill rates for ACFs and good academic retention.”
NIHR ACFs are specialty training posts that incorporate academic training. Fellows spend 75% of their time undertaking specialist clinical training and 25% undertaking research training. They are aimed at medical graduates who, at the early stages of their specialty training, show outstanding potential for a career in academic medicine. During the 3 year fellowships, alongside their clinical training, ACFs will be able to develop their academic skills and be supported in preparing an application for a Research Training Fellowship (to undertake a higher research degree).
NIHR Clinical Lectureships (CLs) are specialty training posts that incorporate academic training. They spend 50% of their time undertaking specialist clinical training and 50% undertaking research. CLs are aimed at those who are advanced in their specialty training, have completed a research doctorate or equivalent and show outstanding potential for continuing a career in academic medicine. They are for a maximum of 4 years and it is expected that CLs will complete their specialty training during this period. Alongside clinical training, CLs will be able to further develop their academic skills and will be encouraged to apply for funding to support further Post-Doctoral training.