How to obtain an ACF

The purpose of pre-doctoral protected research time is:

1. to confirm that you are interested in and committed to a career in academic pathology
2. to find a suitable research area and research group
3. ultimately to prepare, apply for and achieve a doctoral Fellowship

There are three main sources of pre-doctoral protected research time in histopathology:

1. NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) (also see the NIHR IAT Guide)
2. the PathSoc/CRUK Pre-doctoral Research Bursary
3. the PathSoc/Jean Shanks Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

These posts are usually competitively sought after. To maximise your chance of success:

• Speak to current academic pathology trainees and ask their advice about the application process.
• Contact the research group that you would like to join and arrange to meet. Ask if there are any small projects which you could get involved with. Ideally:
  
  
  • apply for a small research grant e.g. the Pathsoc early career pathology researcher grant
  • present the work at a relevant meeting e.g. the PathSoc Summer or Winter meetings
  • publish the work
• Boost your CV and demonstrate a commitment to academia by doing the following:
  
  
  • Attend the PathSoc National Academic Trainee Network Meetings: a source of peer support, networking and research skills training.
  • Write e.g. submit articles to the RCPath Bulletin, the ACP News or write a case report.
  • Consider joining an academic pathology committee
  • Teach
  • Carry out public engagement
• Have a game plan for the next 5-10 years - what do you ultimately want to achieve and do you know the steps you need to take to get there?