The BPSU developed this bursary to enable paediatricians early on in their career to develop research knowledge and skills.
In turn, the research each bursary recipient conducts adds to the body of knowledge of rare childhood diseases and conditions. It also supports the College's objective to build and strengthen research in paediatrics.
As a neonatal clinical trainee, I was fortunate enough to be supported by an excellent supervisory team led by Professor Don Sharkey in securing the 2019 Sir Peter Tizard bursary for carrying out a surveillance study on neonatal stroke. The bursary allowed me to understand better how research, especially a surveillance study, is carried out, alongside the opportunity to meet and work with the BPSU scientific committee.
As this was the first surveillance study to be carried out on a new BPSU platform, I learnt a lot during the study set-up and surveillance period as we had to overcome various challenges that arose during the study period. I would encourage anyone interested to apply as it will provide a good introduction to research.
»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË the eligibility criteria and application
Applicants must:
- be a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health or Collegiate Members of the Faculty of Paediatrics or the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
- be a paediatrician working (at least part of their time) in the UK National Health Service or Irish public health care system who are:
- specialty trainee (any grade)
- academic trainee, or
- new consultant (within three years of appointment to a consultant post)
- not have previously led a BPSU study
- not have previously submitted an application on the same topic for consideration by the BPSU scientific committee.
Any one candidate can submit only one application per year. Joint applications (ie where two applicants work together on a BPSU study under supervision and share the award) are acceptable.