HEE/NIHR Integrated Clinical Academic programme now open for applications

The next round of the Integrated Clinical Academic (ICA) programme for non-medical healthcare professionals has opened for applications today (March 2).

The programme, which is funded by Health Education England (HEE) and managed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) provides a range of opportunities to undertake fully funded clinical research, research training and professional development while maintaining clinical practice and salary.

The programme comprises of five levels: Internships, Masters in Clinical Research Studentships, Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowships, Clinical Lectureships and Senior Clinical Lectureships. Today’s launch relates to the doctoral and post-doctoral levels.

The ICA programme is open to a wide group of non-medical healthcare professionals who wish to develop careers that combine clinical research and research leadership with continued clinical practice and clinical development.

This year, applicants are also welcomed to the post-doctoral awards from those holding a professional doctorate, providing they meet the eligibility criteria.

Prof Nicki Latham, Executive Director of Performance and Development at HEE said: “Front-line clinicians are perfectly placed to design the research questions that really matter to patients and their service. If you feel passionately about research and making evidence based improvements to care then the ICA programme is for you.”

The programme launched today and applications are open for the Clinical Lectureship and Senior Clinical Lectureship levels until 27 April 2017 and for the Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship until 18 May 2017.

For more information on the ICA programme visit: www.nihr.ac.uk/hee-ica.