The South West HEE-NIHR Integrated Clinical and Practitioner Academic (ICA) programme awards are now open for applications for Spring 2023. The programme, funded by both the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Health Education England is championed by Higher Education Institution (HEI) and clinical academics across the South West region.
What are the awards and who are they for?
The awards provide short-term support for those within the South West region aspiring to develop a clinical academic career and apply for national awards.
The programme is intended to increase research capacity to improve health and healthcare, by developing people with the potential and aspiration to become leading clinical academics and independent researchers in the future. It is open to registered health and social care professionals including nurses, midwives, AHPs and other non-medical healthcare professionals with ICA approved regulatory bodies. The programme is suitable for clinicians/practitioners who wish to develop careers that combine research and research leadership along with continued practice and professional development.
What are the details?
There are three levels of awards available:
Internship award – for individuals that have little research experience or training and would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of research, develop some practical skills, and/or develop a project idea with supervisory guidance and suppo
Pre-doctoral bridging award – for individuals that have some research experience and are developing their research profile, have completed Masters level research training and aspire to gain funding to undertake doctoral research training.
Post-doctoral bridging award – for individuals that have completed or will have submitted their thesis at the time of application, are looking to undertake post-doctoral research and build towards applying for a post-doctoral level fellowship such as the HEE-NIHR Advanced Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship.
Carrie Biddle, HEE South West Regional Head for Allied Health Professionals and strategic lead, said:
“In the Southwest we are committed to investing in our clinical and professional workforce to develop a research skilled workforce and support the aspirations of those seeking to follow a clinical academic career pathway. The NIHR ICA awards provide funding and academic support for eligible professionals working in health and social care to start or take the next step in the academic career pathway”.
What else do I need to know?
You can find further information about the awards and how to apply in the guidance notes for each award. The closing date and time for submission of applications is Midday, Tuesday 16th May 2023. Applications should be submitted to SW.ICAP@nihr.ac.uk.
Your key HEI contact at the University of Exeter is Anne-Marie Russell
For any queries about the awards, please contact SW.ICAP@nihr.ac.uk.