Academic Clinical Fellows

NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACFs) are specialty training posts that incorporate academic training. ACFs spend 75% of their time undertaking specialist clinical training and 25% undertaking research and research training in a supportive environment.

ACFs have a maximum duration of three years, or four years for GPs. During this time, alongside clinical training, ACFs will be able to develop their academic skills and be supported in preparing an application for a research training fellowship (to undertake a PhD or MD).

See full details of the NIHR IAT Programme and ACFs.

The ACF opportunity at ARU

We’re committed to building a supportive and inclusive community for our IAT trainees. Our programme offers personal and professional development, mentorship, and a strong sense of belonging.

Research training

Our Academic Clinical Fellows benefit from a comprehensive research training programme designed to support their development as future clinical academics.

• School of Medicine Monthly Research Seminar Series: covering core NIHR IAT topics, career insights, and research presentations across disciplines. Sessions are delivered by expert speakers within our research community and shaped by trainee feedback. Find out more about the seminar series. (Further information on core NIHR IAT topics can be found at NIHR IAT Guide, Gold Guide – 10th Edition and UKFPO Academic Compendium.)
• ARU Doctoral School: all fellows are enrolled, gaining access to the Researcher Development Programme and support for higher degree applications.
• Research Methodology Module: Academic Clinical Fellows are offered a flexible, 12-week, 30-credit online module offering multidisciplinary training in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Library and study resources: full access to ARU libraries and dedicated study space at the School of Medicine, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Community and support: trainees are embedded within our vibrant IAT community. There are regular opportunities to connect with peers and mentors, attend research seminars and training sessions, receive career guidance and pastoral support, and present at conferences and events. Previous events have included the School of Medicine Annual Research Conference and the New Medical Schools NIHR Conference, as well as regional events and workshops such as the Academic Primary Barriers to Research Workshop.

All of our Academic Clinical Fellows are appointed an Academic Supervisor from their designated research group, as well as an additional Clinical Academic Mentor to support with balancing academic and clinical responsibilities, exploring future clinical academic career pathways and personal and professional development.

Current ACF research areas

• GP – Veterans and Families Institute
• Ophthalmology – Vision and Eye Research Institute
• Radiology – Virtual Imaging Academy
• Psychiatry – Veterans and Families Institute
• Public Health / Paediatrics – Veterans and Families Institute
• Geriatric Medicine / Psychiatry – Dementia – Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research
• Future – Primary Care Research Centre
• Future – Medical Technology Research Centre
• Future – Centre for Circulatory Health