1. What makes a good application?
NIHR/HEE Integrated Clinical Academic Programme
What makes a good application?
And how is it different from other schemes…
Prof Jackie Campbell, University of Northampton

2. A career pathway…. 5 levels Internships
Masters in Clinical Research Studentships
Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship
Clinical Lectureship
Senior Clinical Lectureship

3. *Clinical Doctoral Fellowships (and the rest)
They look for:
Potential
Ability
Vision
Quality
They are not the same as project grant applications. These are personal awards – NIHR is investing in you as a future research leader
* Bits in italics refer only to the Clinical Academic awards

4. They look for ..specifically
Planned trajectory of the candidates as a researcher
Previous experience of research and evidence of commitment to a career involving research
Quality of the proposed research, and suitability for a PhD project
The extent to which the Fellowship will support the development of clinical skills
Suitability of the proposed academic and institutional support
Quality of the proposed research training programme
Appropriateness of the resources claimed indicating good value for money

5. Key selling points Demonstration of clarity of thought
Carefully constructed and focussed proposal
Good justification for the supervisory team
Evidence of previous research training
Obvious commitment to research leadership ambitions
Obvious academic potential of the project
Obvious vision in respect of a clinical academic career

6. Key selling points…..cont
Commitment to balance of the proposed career in terms of research and clinical work
Study which is not overly ambitious
Appropriate level of detail
Clear identification of the research skills needing development
Clearly articulated rationale for the study

7. Key selling points…..cont
Clear evidence of theoretical underpinning for the project work
Clear identification of plans for the incorporation of research elements into future clinical work
Clear statement of how patients will benefit from the research undertaken
Demonstration of an understanding of ethical principles and ethics and governance frameworks

8. Key selling points…..cont
Demonstration of a clear vision of how the Fellowship will benefit the candidates career within the NHS, particularly if they are already in a high level position
The proposal should demonstrate ownership of the project on behalf of the candidate
Clearly articulated and creative training programme
A project plan which is clearly focussed on developing the applicant’s discipline

9. And at interview (CDRF)……
Know your proposal (backwards) – even the stats!
Own your project
Be committed to clinical practice
Be enthusiastic
Be prepared to discuss
Stick to time (presentation)
Stick to the question (interview)

10. In summary A good application needs: An excellent candidate
Meticulous planning
Expert support
Personal commitment to a combination of research and clinical practice
Enthusiasm
A long time to get it right