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Doctors and dentists

If you're a doctor or dentist interested in research, we can help you develop your skills and signpost to information that can help you.  

Published research

Search our research evidence for research findings and information about the projects we have funded to improve your ways of working.


First steps in research

e-Learning for doctors on NIHR Learn

Improve your research awareness and skills if you're a doctor with e-learning modules on NIHR Learn. You will need to log in to see them and enrol:

Research in practice programme with the Royal College of Physicians

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England)

Become a Research Delivery Leader:  Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework

This Master's level qualification will help you gain the networks, skills and confidence to lead and support clinical research delivery.

Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework

Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme

The Associate PI Scheme is a  six month in-work training opportunity to provide practical experience to start a research career.

Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme


Which research training programme is right for you?

We offer two training programmes for doctors and dentists:

Integrated Academic Training (IAT) Programme

This scheme supports doctors and dentists to gain research experience as part of their clinical training.

Integrated Academic Training (IAT) Programme

Fellowships Programme

This scheme offers funding for doctors and dentists at doctoral and post-doctoral level, with flexibility for clinical time.

Fellowships Programme


Other awards to help your academic research career

We provide a number of schemes to help you along your academic career path.

Development and Skills Enhancement Award

This post-doctoral level award supports researchers to gain specific skills and experience over 12 months to underpin the next phase of their career.

Development and Skills Enhancement Award

Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award

A flexible, postdoctoral award, which provides funding for up to 5 years to focus on a broad range of research activities to support career development.

More information

If you’re considering a career as a clinical academic, find out more on the Clinical Academic Training and Careers Hub.

For advice on which scheme is right for you, speak to a member of the team at 0113 532 8444 or academy-awards@nihr.ac.uk 


Local learning and development

Find out about local training in your area through our Local Clinical Research Networks (LCRNs). There are 15 networks across England.

If you’re logged into NIHR Learn, look out for ‘Locally delivered learning’ to find local courses and learning events.


Case studies

How an NIHR Clinician Scientist industry collaboration is benefiting research and patients

Professor Daniel Perry collaborated with a medical 3D printing and technology company to improve patient outcomes and he is continuing to benefit from industrial partnerships through his Research Professorship.

Stemming the rise of antibiotic resistance to bring improvements for patient care

Professor Alastair Hay is a GP and leading primary care researcher whose career has been supported by the NIHR Academy and NIHR research funding programmes. His work on reducing antibiotic resistance has produced policy-changing results as he investigates the best ways to improve patient care.

Bridging Gaps in primary healthcare for women with complex needs

Research career development funding through NIHR awards is supporting Lucy Potter’s research career progression while improving access to primary care for people who experience severe and multiple disadvantage.