The RCP and Clinical Research Network research awards scheme recognises outstanding contributions of NHS clinicians to the conduct of National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Portfolio research studies.
About
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network and the Royal College of Physicians (the College) joint awards programme is now open for entry. The awards recognise outstanding contributions of NHS consultants and trainees who are active in research.
Since its inception in 2006, the NIHR has significantly increased the scale of clinical research in the NHS, particularly through the NIHR Clinical Research Network. The enthusiastic engagement of NHS physicians and trainees is essential for sustaining and building on this success, particularly given the many competing demands on clinician time and resources.
Eligibility
Applicants must be NHS clinicians (clinical academics are not eligible) and a member of the Royal College of Physicians.
Clinicians can enter under one of two categories:
- Trainee
- Consultant.
Applications
There are two awards available for NHS consultants and two awards for NHS consultant trainees.
Applicants are required to outline their contribution to the leadership of several NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio studies with a particular focus on:
- how they demonstrate clinical leadership enabling their organisation to increase its participation in clinical studies
- how they engaged with patients to inform them of new opportunities to participate in clinical research
- their contribution to successful delivery of clinical research studies, with a particular emphasis on industry (commercial contract) studies.
Application process and judging of applications
- Applications should be made using the application form and no additional information supplied will be considered by the panel
- Applicants must include their Royal College of Physicians Membership Number
- Applicants should note the word limit on each section of the form
- Receipt of applications will be acknowledged
- Applications will be assessed jointly by a RCP/NIHR Clinical Research Network panel including patient representatives
- Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 1 September 2023. NB: We expect a high number of applications and are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
The closing date for the awards is 23:59 on Monday 31 July 2023.
Awards
Trainees
Two prizes awarded, each prize will consist of:
- Financial award of £250
- Free entry to Medicine Plus
- Invited to submit an abstract for oral/poster presentation at Medicine Plus
- Winners invited to attend the RCP New Members Ceremony in November, where the awards will be read out.
Consultants
Two prizes awarded, each prize will consist of:
- Financial award of £250
- Free entry to Medicine 2024
- Confirmed speaking slot at 2024
- Winners will be invited to attend the Harveian Oration, where the awards will be read out.
Award presentations
- Trainee award winners will be invited to attend the Royal College of Physicians New Members ceremony on 27 November 2023
- Consultant award winners will be invited to the Harveian Oration on 18 October 2023.