Clinical Research Network North West Coast
Advanced Research Scholars Programme (A-RSP)
Post date: 3rd February 2023
Supporting aspiring Clinician Researchers to develop research that addresses local health needs
Call for Applications - Cohort 2 ('23-'24)
In 2020-21 the CRN NWC launched a new scheme, to support established clinicians (including medical, nursing and AHPs) interested in pursuing and leading their own clinical research.
The scheme (previously termed the Clinician Researcher Award) supported clinicians, with suitable experience, to be Chief Investigators/Co-Chief Investigators with time and support to develop their research idea into grant submission(s).
The scheme has been relaunched for '23-'24, with a new name: The Advanced Research Scholars Programme (A-RSP), reflecting the fact that a “foundation” programme, such as the Research Scholars Programme, is necessary to meet the desired objectives within a 12-month period.
Background
As part of the Clinical Research Network North West Coast (CRN NWC) Strategy 2020-2023 the network has committed to invest in initiatives that build capacity and capability for future NIHR portfolio research. To date the network has introduced two schemes to support Early Career Researchers. These are:-
Early Career Researcher Development Pathway for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHPs) who are in the very early stages of understanding the importance of research and how to develop a research career.
Research Scholars Programme for clinicians (Medical & NMAHPs) who are in the early stages of their research career but have established themselves as a Principal Investigator, aiming for Chief Investigator status.
These programmes have been well received by NHS Partner Organisation and uptake has demonstrated a need to develop programmes for aspiring researchers across all stages of career development.
Advanced Research Scholar Programme
Applicants should have completed the CRN NWC Research Scholars Programme, and consider themselves to be sufficiently experienced to develop a research grant and work with other collaborators to develop a credible bid. Whilst this programme will largely be self-directed, mentoring and grant writing support (from within regional NIHR infrastructure) will be provided to support applicants with their bid.
Priority will be given to applications which:-
a) focus on populations within the NWC region, that are under-represented in research and/or
b) represent a significant disease burden within NWC.
Applicants should also ensure bids are realistic in scope and ambition, taking into account the size and scale of clinical research study (observational/ interventional) in relation to their level of experience, and timescales for delivery within the funding award period.
Awards of one PA (modelled at 10% of salary costs to a maximum of £10,000 per annum) will be made for 12 months only. In order to ensure the success of the programme, employers are asked to match fund time up to the equivalent of one PA. This will ensure that those successful at obtaining an award have the support of their organisation and sufficient time (one day per week) to dedicate to developing their research idea and submitting a grant to an appropriate funding body.
NB - from April 1st 2024, NIHR CRNs NWC and GM become the NW Regional Research Delivery Network.
Priority themes outlined in the CRN NWC Strategy
Across NWC a number of conditions, diseases and health priorities are very prevalent. However, for some of these areas the research activity needs further growth to maintain a pipeline of studies. Five priority areas have been identified for this call which includes;
COPD (with a focus on Infection and Primary Care but including smoking/pollution).
Cardiovascular (including related areas of Stroke, Diabetes and Renal).
Mental Health – common (including alcohol/substance misuse, gambling).
Cancer (including Teenage and Young Adults (TYA))
Starting well (children) and Ageing well (older people, frailty, isolation and end of life care)
Priority will be given to applications that fall into the priority areas identified above. However, applications from any specialty will be considered if other criteria are met.
Am I eligible to apply?
This programme will be open to:
Research Scholars from Cohorts 2&3
Eligibility to the programme will require the following criteria to be met:
Applicants will either currently be ‘involved’ in NIHR research either as an experienced Principal Investigator or as a co-investigator on a grant award
Applicants must have written approval from their employing organisations (preferably from their CEO or a member of the Executive) to match fund their application for the A-RSP in terms of time released from clinical practice.
Applicants must hold a substantive post in an NHS Partner Organisation within the CRN NWC, or have been appointed to a substantive post starting within 3 months of programme commencement, and continue to work within the region for the duration of the programme.
Exclusions:
People in posts already funded to undertake post-graduate or doctoral research or clinical research (e.g. HEI funded clinical academics)
How do I apply?
The process to apply (including the application pack and key deadlines) is outlined in 3 steps below.
General queries - learning.lcrnsnorthwest@nihr.ac.uk
Application Pack
There are 3 steps to apply
Complete this Application Form
Email your HRA Research CV (2 pages max)
Download a Research CV template here if needed
Email a signed Permission Form
Please complete all steps & email steps 2 & 3 to learning.lcrnsnorthwest@nihr.ac.uk
Please note, for steps 2 and 3, once you've clicked the links you will need to click
File --> Download --> Microsoft Word
to download an editable version that you can send back once completed.
Application Deadline
Friday 17th February 2023 5pm
(this includes all sign-offs/signatures)
Interviews
TBC - w/c 13th March 2023
Funding Period
1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024