The Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards are now open for applications for a second year!
Funded by the NHS Lothian Charity, the awards are open to nurses, midwives, AHPs, pharmacy professionals, psychologists and healthcare scientists employed by NHS Lothian.
The programme is the first of its kind in Scotland and supported by six universities. It aims to help embed research skills and knowledge across all healthcare professions in NHS Lothian.
The first cohort of recipients took up their awards in early 2023 and range from NMAHPPs just getting into research to those looking to develop their existing knowledge and skills.
Lee Burgum, Chief Cardiac Physiologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, said: “I was always interested in research but didn’t think this would ever be a possibility for me as I didn’t have a degree.
“Even though I’m now working toward a degree, it still didn’t feel like it would be a possibility as I thought they would only accept graduates. But here I am.
“This is a great opportunity and I feel like it will be a springboard for me to do more.”
Professor Juliet MacArthur, Chief Nurse for Research and Development in NHS Lothian, who initiated the awards, said: “We were delighted with the response to our first round of applications.
“It’s really encouraging to see candidates come forward from across all NMAHPP professions, at different levels and from a range of areas.
“Research opportunities don’t seem to always be there for these professions, but they bring great insights to the research teams and a wealth of knowledge and experience that can help address patient needs and experiences.
“This is a big step to help them potentially move into doctoral research and giving them something tangible and relevant to add to a CV for future research opportunities.”
The five different types of awards are:
- First Steps into Research Gateway Award
- Research Master’s Degree Gateway Award
- Pre-doctoral Bridging Gateway Award
- Post-doctoral Bridging Gateway Award
- Advanced Methodological Gateway
This year, there are 29 First Steps into Research opportunities available! If you’d like to know more, you can attend a drop-in information session via MS Teams:
Wednesday 5th April 2023 | 1 – 2pm
Wednesday 12th April 2023 | 1 – 2pm
Applications close 22nd May 2023. Please visit NHS Lothian’s website for more information or contact Loth.GatewayAwards@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
