Claire, a Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse specialist, based in the Plastics & Dermatology team has recently been awarded a NIHR Pre-Application Support Fund. The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) launched this new scheme to provide extra support and help to enhance chances of a successful application to an NIHR career development scheme.
Claire shares with us why she applied for the funding and how it will help her in the future.
What made you apply for funding:
Having completed my Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, I wished to continue to develop and grow as a researcher, but make sure that my research had impact clinical practice. This award is a perfect opportunity for me to outline a pathway of career development gaining experience as a researcher, and continue to develop academically, but at the same time, it allows me to remain in my clinical role.
The project that I am developing as part of this funding is around how we communicate significant news to our cancer patients.
As an early career researcher, the funding will allow me to carry out a systematic review to establish what research has taken place already in this field. I will build a network of people who will be able to help me develop my research.
As part of this award, I will be able to undertake two university modules, ‘Implementation Science’ and 'The principles of evidence-based practice in public health’ and allows me time to prepare for a Pre-Clinical Academic Fellowship (PCAF) application.
The professional clinical and academic skills I gain during this time will be transferable into other cancer sites. My long-term goal is to be able to work as a clinical academic, remaining clinical active, but with a growing research portfolio.
Dr Rebecca Coad, Research Development and Grants Manager said “This award is such a fantastic achievement for Claire. It’s really inspiring to see the NIHR offering an increasing number of opportunities for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to lead their own research, have clinical academic careers and drive forward meaningful change for our patients.”
Info about the scheme
NIHR have launched the Pre-Application Support Fund, a new scheme providing extra support to those who need it to enhance their chances of making a successful application to an NIHR career development scheme in the future.
Who is the award for?
The NIHR offers various career pathway and progression opportunities which individuals may apply for development funding. They receive a large volume of applications, highlighting the importance of producing a high standard and compelling application. Therefore, the Pre-Application Support Fund is there for individuals who require additional support to prepare a competitive application.
The scheme is open to all individuals requiring this preparation support. However, they strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and professions.
Award length
Funding can be requested for up to 12 months to develop an application for an NIHR career development scheme. For the first round, awards must start between 1st April 2024 and 1st July 2024. Three application rounds will be held each year. Individuals looking to start later than 1st July 2024 should apply to the next round of the competition.
For more information on the NIHR launches pre-application support fund - ARC West.