Training

Led by Professor Waljit Dhillo, an NIHR Professor and former Chair of the NIHR National Infrastructure Training Forum, the NIHR Imperial BRC training programme operates in partnership with our AHSC. We have has developed a comprehensive, high-quality training infrastructure across all stages of clinical academic training. We are developing innovative new programmes to support capacity development in informatics and equality in research and in non-medical professions such as dietetics, radiography and nursing.

The BRC works with the Imperial Clinical Academic Training Office (CATO) to provide a single point-of contact for support and training opportunities for all our clinicians, nurses and allied healthcare professionals interested in academic research.

In partnership with the MRC, our Chain Florey Fellowships and Lectureships scheme trains the next generation of clinician-scientists, giving medical graduates an opportunity to take a 3-year PhD in one of our world-leading basic science groups at the MRC Clinical Science Centre. 15 Chain Florey PhD Fellows have been supported over the last 5 years.

To support non-medical clinicians, and in partnership with Imperial Health Charity, the BRC co-funds pre-doctoral and post-doctoral Research Fellowship schemes. The pre-doctoral fellowships provide non-medical healthcare professionals with the opportunity to undertake research for one year, in order to apply for an externally-funded PhD; 22 Fellows have been awarded to date.

As well as coordinating a formal mentorship scheme, and via CATO, the BRC supports skills and development workshops providing advice into research career options and an opportunity to share research and build networks, plus online courses to ensure an AHSC-wide culture of research training for all our staff.