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Research for respiratory trainees

Dedicated time to conduct research offers trainees the opportunity to explore a subject in depth, developing specialist knowledge and valuable research skills.

Research is central to training and a core part of the respiratory curriculum. It helps develop many of the skills required of a consultant, including critical thinking, appraisal of the literature and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. Planning and completing a research project can also help develop leadership skills, organisation, time management and presentation experience.

 

 

Research competencies and training requirements

All trainees are expected to achieve core research competencies, but there are several ways to do this depending on your interests, career goals and available opportunities. Completing a higher degree is one option, but it is not essential for every trainee.

The curriculum and ARCP decision aid set out the available routes, with the essential competencies summarised in the academic checklist, which may include:

  • Obtaining appropriate ethical approval for a research project
  • Demonstrating the ability to write a full scientific paper
  • Completing a higher research degree
  • Presenting at a national or international meeting
  • Undertaking an assessed research course
  • Completing research or a research degree in medical education, such as an MA or MSc

When should you pursue research?

There is no single "right" time to get involved in research.

Many trainees choose to take time out of programme during ST5 or ST6, while others undertake research before entering specialty training or after completing it. The main restriction is that research time out of programme cannot normally be undertaken during the final 12 months of training.

Routes into research

The most suitable route will depend on your career aspirations, previous experience and the opportunities available to you. It is worth speaking to potential research supervisors early to explore possible projects and identify funding opportunities.

Funding opportunities

NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships

These posts are funded by the NIHR and are offered through partnerships between universities, NHS organisations and training bodies. Academic trainees are recruited by the LETBs through open competition via a national process for academic recruitment.

Academic Clinical Fellowships are limited in number and are usually available only at ST3 entry, often linked to specific supervisors, research groups or projects.

Soft funding

Soft funding refers to funding held by a Principal Investigator that is not tied to a specific project or individual.

It may be used to:

  • Fund an entire research project
  • Support short-term research activity to generate pilot data for future grant applications

The best way to identify these opportunities is to speak with local research leads and Principal Investigators.

Pump-prime funding

Pump-prime funding helps researchers develop project plans and generate pilot data before applying for larger grants.

This may be a good option if you have:

  • A research idea
  • A supervisor in place
  • Not yet reached the stage of applying for a major fellowship

Funding is often available through charities such as the British Lung Foundation (BLF).

Pre-Existing Fellowships

Some institutions offer research fellowships that are already funded and attached to established projects.

In these roles, trainees apply competitively for the post and, if successful, may register for an MD or PhD.

Advantages include:

  • No need to complete funding applications
  • Established supervision and project infrastructure

Things to consider:

  • The project has already been designed
  • The research may not align perfectly with your own interests.

These fellowships may be funded through legacy grants and recruit regularly, while others are linked to specific initiatives and become available only occasionally. It's worth asking around your networks and keeping an eye on job advertisements.

Similar fellowships are common in sub-specialty training and often combine clinical work with research experience.

Personal research training fellowships

Personal fellowships offered by organisations such as the MRC, Wellcome and NIHR are often an excellent route into a long-term academic career.

Applications are highly competitive and require significant preparation. Successful applicants usually need to demonstrate that:

  • They are a strong candidate for investment
  • Their supervisor and research group can provide appropriate support and expertise
  • Their project is important, relevant and achievable

Major funding schemes

MRC Fellowships

Designed to support researchers at different stages of their careers and help them progress towards independent research leadership.

NIHR Integrated Academic Training

Provides opportunities to gain research experience through programmes such as:

  • Academic Clinical Fellowships
  • Clinical Lectureships
  • In-Practice Fellowships

Wellcome funding schemes

Wellcome offers a range of grants and funding opportunities to support researchers throughout their careers.

Preparing a fellowship application

Writing a fellowship or grant application can be time-consuming, but it is also an excellent learning experience.

The process encourages you to:

  • Explore your research question in depth
  • Gain a detailed understanding of the existing literature
  • Justify your research methods
  • Understand project costs and funding requirements

Finding a supportive supervisor is essential, so it is worth planning ahead and speaking with potential supervisors early.

Applying for OOPR

Applying for Out of Programme Research (OOPR) involves several stages, so early planning is important.

If you are considering OOPR, discuss your plans with your Training Programme Director (TPD) as early as possible. Once a supervisor and project have been confirmed, you can submit a formal application.

If you are awaiting a funding decision, include:

  • The expected date of the funding outcome
  • Whether the funding is essential for your proposed research period

For most training programmes, trainees can only leave the programme in April or October, and six months' notice is normally required.

The OOPR Application Process

The process generally includes:

  1. Applying for research funding or fellowships
  2. Submitting a Research Application Form to the JRCPTB
  3. Providing a job description and up-to-date CV
  4. Review of the research proposal by the Respiratory SAC (including an indicative assessment of the amount of clinical credit (competence acquisition) which might be achieved)
  5. Following approval by the Respiratory SAC, the JRCPTB will inform you and your deanery
  6. Prospective approval from the GMC via your deanery or local training body

Part of this process assesses whether any of the research period can contribute towards your CCT training time.

 

 

Additional Resources

 

Written by: 

Dr Akhilesh Jha