Prospective applicants for NIHR funding have attended a bespoke event designed to give them the best tools available to succeed.
The Pre-Application Support Programme Kick-Off Event saw research professionals and NIHR Fellows provide attendees with invaluable insights and resources to aid in their application for an NIHR Career Development Award.
It aims to broaden the current support provided to applicants and offer networking opportunities, expert guidance, and useful resources to help in the preparation of NIHR funding applications.
This initiative is part of our NIHR BRC’s commitment to fostering research talent and supporting career development in clinical research, with a specific focus on under-represented disciplines and specialisms that can drive forward innovation in cancer care.
Supporting future cancer researchers
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The event, held on 27 January 2025, was organised in collaboration with other NIHR partners including the NIHR Cambridge BRC and NIHR South London Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). The event was specifically designed to support cancer researchers from across NIHR infrastructure.
Keynote speaker, Dr Naureen Starling, a Consultant Medical Oncologist and recently appointed NIHR Professor, delivered a talk on securing research funding while balancing research and clinical work.
Other presentations provided a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and opportunities provided by an NIHR Fellowship; how NIHR funding can support a career in clinical and health research; and the NIHR infrastructure and strategies for successful collaboration within.
Space for new researchers to meet with experts
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Group discussions were held on topics such as qualitative research methodology, statistics and clinical trial management, NIHR Doctoral Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship Panel members’ perspectives, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) and health economics.
These discussions provided a platform for attendees to receive personalised feedback on their applications and engage in meaningful conversations with experts.
Delegates were provided with follow up resources and material that can help in preparation of their NIHR funding application. Weekly virtual drop-in sessions have also been organised to provide internal delegates continuous support with their application.