British Heart Foundation (BHF) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) - BHF Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) Clinical Research Training Fellowships

Benefit

You will receive a grant of up to about 330,000 EUR for a research project leading to a PhD (usually 3 years) or an MD (2 years). The grant covers your salary during the research period, research materials (usually up to approximately 18,000 GBP / 21,000 EUR per year), tuition fees at the standard domestic rate, as well as travel expenses of up to approximately 3,000 GBP (3,500 EUR) for attending scientific conferences. The British Heart Foundation runs the programme to enable early-career researchers to carry out their own project in cardiovascular research.

Eligibility

• You are a doctor: You have completed the Foundation Year 2 (the second year of specialist medical training in the United Kingdom), but have not yet received your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
• Field: Your project focuses on cardiovascular research (the heart and circulatory system).
• Already started a PhD? You may still apply, but only within 6 months of registration. Your scholarship (funded research post) must commence no later than 12 months after this registration date.
• Nationality and residence: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. There are no residency requirements, and you may be eligible for a fast-track ‘UK Global Talent Visa’.
• Supervisor: An established researcher will submit the application and act as your supervisor. They will devote at least 10% of their time to you and will hold a post at the host institution for the entire duration of the fellowship. A second supervisor will also be appointed.

How to apply

Your line manager submits the application via the BHF’s online funding system, together with your CV and a funding application describing the project. The next deadlines are 13 January and 16 June. External experts review the application, and the BHF’s Clinical Grants Committee makes the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a specialist award. You must be a doctor in training in the United Kingdom at a specific career stage and working in the field of cardiovascular research; consequently, the target group is small compared to open scholarships. If you fit this profile and have a compelling project and a committed supervisor, you have a genuine chance of success. The selection process is highly competitive, so the quality of your funding application will determine the outcome.