Doctoral Research Support Programme

Programme Overview

This programme has been developed to support health and care professionals to build on their previous academic training to develop an application for a Doctoral award and take the next step in their practitioner academic career. This programme is open to non-medical health and care professionals (excluding doctors and dentists) employed by health and care service providers in the North West, North East, and Yorkshire & Humber regions.

The programme offers a range of opportunities which will enhance your researcher skills, exposure to leadership techniques, and the development of personal communication abilities vital for practitioner academic researchers. Additionally, it will provide a platform to expand your research network regionally, nationally, and potentially internationally while equipping you with the knowledge and skills to become a research leader.

What the programme will include

Overview of a Doctoral Award
Transitioning to a Research Leader
Resilience
Demystifying Research Support
Experiences from current Doctoral Award holders
Project planning for a fellowship
How to put together a fellowship application
Working with People in Communities (previously known as PPIE)

This will be an opportunity to network with like-minded practitioner academics and take part in round table discussions with NIHR. Plus, support from the Research Support Service and Regional Research Delivery Network.

The programme consists of 3 one-day workshops, held in Manchester in-person. The cost to attend all 3 workshops is £150 and places are be limited and a waiting list will be in place.

The dates of the workshops will be;

10th September 2026

8th October 2026

5th November 2026

Registration is via Eventbrite. Once you have registered on Eventbrite you will be forwarded the payment details within 24 hours. Places will be held for 2 weeks and only be secured once payment has been received.

If there is demand, we will re-run the series again in early 2027.

How to Apply

Register on eventbrite

If you would like to be considered for this programme, please send your expression of interest to joanne.simpson@researchnorthwest.nhs.uk