Launch of 2008 Academic Clinical Fellowship programme

16 November 2007

As part of the ongoing implementation of the UKCRC/MMC integrated academic training pathway for clinical academics the 2008 round of the Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) scheme has now been launched by the National Institute for Health Research Capacity Development Programme.

Up to 250 Fellowships are available in 2008 across England and will provide funding for doctors and dentists entering specialty training and for those already in specialty training who hold an NTN, who have outstanding potential as a researcher and / or educationalist.

Successful applicants will have 25% of their time protected so they can develop their academic skills and prepare and compete for a training fellowship for a higher degree. Funding will be available for a maximum of three years, or four years for General Practitioners (GPs).

Recruitment for ACFs has begun ahead of the recruitment drive for standard specialty training. Anyone making an ACF application will also be able to apply for non-academic specialty training. The ACF recruitment timetable for GPs will be the same as the timetable for standard specialty selection.

The application process is being managed locally by Deaneries in partnership with Universities who will base their decision on clinical competence and evidence ofsignificant academic excellence and potential.

The closing date for applications is 26 November 2007 and further details of the scheme are available on the Research Capacity Development Programme website