Clinical Research Fellowship

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Transform your research career

This fellowship aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research excellence by providing you with the tools, confidence, and network to succeed in your research career.

Applications for the 2026 fellowship are now closed.

We understand the funding barriers you currently face and whilst BSR aren't able to fund PhDs directly, this opportunity can make you highly competitive for funders who do.

Early career researchers in rheumatology face significant obstacles to entering and sustaining academic careers; this fellowship provides 3 key learning opportunities:

o PhD preparation - Master study design, statistics, ethics, and grant writing, equipping yourself with all the essentials for successful, competitive applications.

o Expert mentorship - Get paired with experienced academics and receive personalised career guidance.

o Impactful networking - Connect with like-minded professionals across the UK. Build relationships that last throughout your career.

Programme broken down into 4 themes across 12 weeks

o Introduction and idea development

o Study design and methodology

o Statistics, ethics and methods review

o Funding and final presentations

Applicant information

Who can apply?

Participants will apply via a short application process, with applications open to all rheumatology healthcare professionals.

This will include:

• A one-page research idea outline or expression of interest

• A brief personal statement outlining motivation and future research goals

Selection will aim to ensure diversity in geography, background, and professional roles.

Applications open Monday 8^th September 2025

Applications close Monday 24^th November 2025

2026 proposed programme

14 January - 22 April 2026

Evening

Peer-led and facilitated sessions (18:30-20:00)

Pricing

Members

Non-members

Registration and Fees

Successful applicants will be invited to register to confirm their place.

£125

+VAT

Registration and Fees

Successful applicants will be invited to register to confirm their place.

£250

+VAT

BSR Clinical Research Fellowship

Transform your research career

This fellowship aims to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research excellence by providing you with the tools, confidence, and network to succeed in your research career.

We understand the funding barriers you currently face and whilst BSR aren't able to fund PhDs directly, this opportunity can make you highly competitive for funders who do.

Early career researchers in rheumatology face significant obstacles to entering and sustaining academic careers; this fellowship provides 3 key learning opportunities:

o PhD preparation - Master study design, statistics, ethics, and grant writing, equipping yourself with all the essentials for successful, competitive applications.

o Expert mentorship - Get paired with experienced academics and receive personalised career guidance.

o Impactful networking - Connect with like-minded professionals across the UK. Build relationships that last throughout your career.

Programme broken down into 4 themes across 12 weeks

o Introduction and idea development

o Study design and methodology

o Statistics, ethics and methods review

o Funding and final presentations

Applicant information

Who can apply?

Participants will apply via a short application process, with applications open to all rheumatology healthcare professionals.

This will include:

• A one-page research idea outline or expression of interest

• A brief personal statement outlining motivation and future research goals

Selection will aim to ensure diversity in geography, background, and professional roles.

Applications open Monday 8th September 2025

Applications close Monday 24th November 2025

2026 proposed programme

Evening

Peer-led and facilitated sessions (18:30-20:00)

TIME

SESSION

SPEAKERS

14 January

Introduction & Formulating a High-Impact Research Question Overview of research careers, NIHR/VA/MRC fellowships, building your academic identity.

Prof James Galloway and Dr Marwan Bukhari

21 January

Idea Refinement & The Elevator Pitch Small-group discussion of research ideas, initial feedback and peer input.

Prof James Galloway and Dr Marwan Bukhari

28 January

Study Design 1: RCTs Small-group discussion of research ideas, initial feedback and peer input.

Prof James Galloway and Dr Marwan Bukhari

11 February

Selecting Outcome Measures & Defining Success. Primary/secondary outcomes, patient-centred outcomes, core sets, feasibility.

Prof Sam Norton

25 February

Qualitative Research Methodology Introduction to qualitative research methods, data collection techniques, and principles of thematic analysis.

Dr Charlotte Sharp and Prof Zoe Paskins

4 March

Study Design 2: Cohort, Case-Control & Ecological Designs Understanding design options, strengths/limitations, applying the right design.

Dr Mark Russell and Dr Fiona Pearce

11 March

Addressing confounding and bias Drafting and sharing your study methodology for structured peer review.

Prof James Galloway and Dr Marwan Bukhari

18 March

Introduction to Statistics and Sample Size Calculations Basic statistical concepts, power calculations, support resources and collaboration with statisticians.

Prof Sam Norton

25 March

Ethics, Regulatory Approvals & Patient Involvement (PPI) Navigating NHS ethics, IRAS, research governance, and embedding meaningful PPI.

Dr Katie Bechman

1 April

Funding Landscape & Writing a Compelling Case for Support IHR, VA, MRC, and charity funding schemes; budgeting and writing tips.

Prof Laura Coates

15 April

Refining Your Elevator Pitch Practice concise communication of your proposal; peer feedback on pitch clarity and impact.

Prof James Galloway and Dr Marwan Bukhari

22 April

Final Pitch Review & Research Showcase Selection All participants submit recorded pitches. Top three projects selected by judging panel to present live at BSR Annual Conference Research Showcase.

All faculty

Pricing

Registration and Fees

Successful applicants will be invited to register to confirm their place.

Registration and Fees

Successful applicants will be invited to register to confirm their place.

Applications open Monday 8^th September 2025

Applications close Monday 24^th November 2025

Introduction & Formulating a High-Impact Research Question
Overview of research careers, NIHR/VA/MRC fellowships, building your academic identity.

Idea Refinement & The Elevator Pitch
Small-group discussion of research ideas, initial feedback and peer input.

Study Design 1: RCTs
Small-group discussion of research ideas, initial feedback and peer input.

Selecting Outcome Measures & Defining Success.
Primary/secondary outcomes, patient-centred outcomes, core sets, feasibility.

Qualitative Research Methodology
Introduction to qualitative research methods, data collection techniques, and principles of thematic analysis.

Study Design 2: Cohort, Case-Control & Ecological Designs
Understanding design options, strengths/limitations, applying the right design.

Addressing confounding and bias
Drafting and sharing your study methodology for structured peer review.

Introduction to Statistics and Sample Size Calculations
Basic statistical concepts, power calculations, support resources and collaboration with statisticians.

Ethics, Regulatory Approvals & Patient Involvement (PPI)
Navigating NHS ethics, IRAS, research governance, and embedding meaningful PPI.

Funding Landscape & Writing a Compelling Case for Support
IHR, VA, MRC, and charity funding schemes; budgeting and writing tips.

Refining Your Elevator Pitch
Practice concise communication of your proposal; peer feedback on pitch clarity and impact.

Final Pitch Review & Research Showcase Selection
All participants submit recorded pitches. Top three projects selected by judging panel to present live at BSR Annual Conference Research Showcase.