Diabetes UK has launched a new fellowship scheme, in recognition of internationally renowned diabetes researcher Sir George Alberti, to enable NHS employees to work towards a PhD or MD and develop a career in diabetes-related research.
The Sir George Alberti Research Training Fellowship, which is open to clinicians and non-clinically trained applicants, will support research training for a period of up to three years.
The fellowship is open to anyone working in any scientific discipline or sector within the NHS who can demonstrate a role in improving the health of people with diabetes.
Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said: “Looking at the experience of people with diabetes today, compared to 50 or 100 years ago, we can see the real impact that diabetes research has had on people’s lives. There is still much more that needs to be done and this is why we want to encourage people to work in this field.
“In recent years, the number of fellowship applications we receive has fallen, but the need for good research remains. That’s why we have merged our fellowship schemes to support the best individuals in their research training, whether they are clinically trained or not. If you have a job in the NHS and want to train for a PhD – or MD for medically qualified applicants – then Diabetes UK can help you. We want to continue to fund the best research candidates, regardless of their background qualifications, in order to work towards a future without diabetes.”
The new fellowship recognises the pioneering research career of Sir George Alberti, who has been Chair of Diabetes UK since 2009 and is well known for his hands-on approach to the training of scientists and clinicians and his instrumental position in shaping healthcare policy. In the past he has held both research and clinical roles and sat on many research committees, including that of Diabetes UK and the Steering Committee of the UK Prospective Diabetes Study.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2012. Applicants should submit their CV, a publication list and a CV for their proposed supervisor to [email protected].
