Integrated Academic Training
What is IAT?
NIHR ACFs and CLs are appointed through selected Academic Programmes. These Programmes have been awarded to University/NHS Trust/Deanery partnerships via formula allocation and rounds of competition. Approximately 250 NIHR ACFs and 100 NIHR CLs are available annually for medics and a further 22 NIHR ACFs and 10 NIHR CLs are available annually for dentists.
Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF)
Entry level type posts and for up to 3 years, trainees spend 25% of their time undertaking academic activity.
The primary purpose of an ACF is to provide a clinical and academic training environment for a doctor or dentist in the early stages of specialty training to prepare an application for a Training Fellowship leading to a PhD (or equivalent) or if applicable a postdoctoral fellowship.
The award of a NTN (A) will be made to applicants who are successful in the appointments process. Since NTNs are awarded by Postgraduate Deans, the Deanery will lead the appointment process. Panels must ensure that both clinical and academic standards for appointment are met.
Specialty specific ACFs are considered as run through posts for the duration of the ACF and beyond. Clinical progression is based on the achievement of competencies. The Programme Board of Modernising Medical Careers agreed in October 2007 that ACF training should remain run-through even if the trainee was appointed to a training position in an uncoupled specialty; this remains the case for 2010.
Clinical Lectureship (CL)
More senior type posts for up to 4 years leading to CCT, trainees spend 50% of their time undertaking academic activity.
The NIHR Clinical Lectureship phase is aimed at doctors and dentists that already hold a PhD/MD (or equivalent) and who already have specialty training experience. It provides opportunities for post-higher degree research and facilitates applications for further research funding for doctors working towards completion of specialty training.
The award of a NTN(a) will be made to applicants who are successful in the appointments process. Since NTNs are awarded by Postgraduate Deans, the Deanery must lead the appointment process. Panels must ensure that both clinical and academic standards for appointment are met.
NIHR TCC
The NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre (NIHRTCC) makes training awards to researchers whose work focuses on people and patient-based applied health research.
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funds this research training in order to build a leading NHS Research Faculty, develop research careers, research leaders and collaborators.
This research capacity development is managed by the NIHR Trainees Coordinating Centre (NIHRTCC) and funded by the Department of Health.
The research must be relevant to the NHS, focused on the current and future needs of patients and the public and expected to have an impact within 5 years of its completion. The NIHR does not fund basic research or work involving animals and/or animal tissue.
There are a large range of awards available: at different levels, to suit different work arrangements, types of NHS staff and career paths.
Partners
The Higher Education Institutions involved in Integrated Academic Training in London include:
- Imperial College
- Institute of Cancer Research
- Kings College London
- Queen Mary (University of London)
- Royal Free and University College London
- St George’s (University of London)
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Recruitment
Information on available IAT posts can be found here.