Research Training Fellowships

Obtaining a higher degree (PhD or MD) is a requirement to secure most senior academic posts. 

Unlike most clinical academic positions, a PhD fellowship allows you to devote your time 100% to your academic studies, usually for a period of three years. At the end of this time there is an expectation that you will submit a PhD thesis.

There is no requirement for a Clinical Fellow undertaking a PhD to have had any other academic related positions. However most Fellowships are awarded directly to an applicant on the basis of a specified project as well as on a strong CV.   It is usual for clinicians to have spent time within a research environment developing a specific research project in conjunction with their supervisor in order to secure funding.

This is the advantage of having been an ACF as it allows for time out of the clinical environment in order to formulate an appropriate project whilst research contacts are being made.

Information and timelines of national Clinical Research Fellowship funding schemes can be found using the links below.  

MRC clinical research training fellowships

Joint funding may be available with:

  • Alzheimer's Society
  • Asthma UK
  • British Association of Dermatologists/British Skin Foundation
  • British Infection Association
  • British Lung Foundation/Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Fund
  • Chronic Granulomatous Disorder Society
  • Cystic Fibrosis Trust
  • Fight for Sight
  • Kidney Research UK
  • MND/Lady Edith Wolfson Fellowships
  • Novo Nordisk UK Diabetes Research Foundation (NNUKDRF)
  • Ulverscroft Vision Research Group
  • Multiple Sclerosis Society
  • Pancreatic Cancer UK
  • Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
  • Royal College of Ophthalmologists/Novartis
  • Royal College of Radiologists
  • Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)
  • Stroke Association
  • Sparks
  • Prostate Cancer UK
  • Target Ovarian Cancer
  • Welsh Assembly

Wellcome Early Career Awards

NIHR Training Fellowships

Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research

British Heart Foundation Funding Opportunities

Versus Arthritis Fellowship Opportunities

Kidney Research UK Clinical Training Fellowships

Diabetes UK Clinical Training Fellowships: Sir George Alberti Research Training Fellowship

Wellbeing of Women

Action Medical Research (for children for life)

Fight for Sight Funding Opportunities