Doctoral Training Fellowship announced to help meet the needs of an ageing population

The British Geriatrics Society has partnered with the Dunhill Medical Trust to co-fund three Doctoral Training Fellowships to support front-line health professionals undertake research relevant to age-related diseases and frailty. Eligible candidates include doctors, nurses and allied health professionals working with older people. One award will be made per year over the next three years, with each award covering the costs of a three-year Fellowship.

In the UK today more than 12 million people are aged 65 years or over[i], equating to nearly one in five of the population. It is estimated more than a third of these older people are living with a longstanding health condition[ii]. In addition, research has shown that 75% of 75-year-olds have more than one long term condition, rising to 82% of 85-year-olds[iii]. This challenge of managing healthcare needs is only set to increase with projections indicating that in 50 years’ time, there are likely to be an additional 8.6 million people aged 65 years and over in the UK who will need access to health services[iv]. Clinical research conducted by front-line health professionals is therefore key if the NHS is to meet the needs of an ageing population. Within this context, these new Fellowships will make an important contribution to furthering the understanding and treatment of age-related diseases and frailty.  

The deadline for applications is 2 August 2019 and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 8 October 2019. Applicants must be a Member of the British Geriatrics Society for the lifetime of the grant and meet the requirements for a programme of PhD study at a UK-based University. The grant covers salary, tuition fees, and consumables.

Dr Adam Gordon, Vice President of Academic Affairs at the British Geriatrics Society, commented:

“Healthcare professionals who support older people with multiple health problems have a pretty good idea about what sort of research needs to be done, but they don’t always have opportunities to break into research and receive training in research skills.

“These Fellowships will allow us to support members of the British Geriatrics Society to bring their clinical expertise into the research arena, develop as researchers and ultimately make discoveries that will enhance the lives of older people living with frailty and multiple health problems.”

Susan Kay of the Dunhill Medical Trust, commented:

“We’re passionate about supporting early career researchers and encouraging talented scientists and clinicians to use their skills and expertise to transform our understanding of age-related disease and frailty, so we’re delighted to be working with the British Geriatrics Society in this way.” 

For further information, or to make an application, click here: https://dunhillmedical.org.uk/research-fellowships/co-funded-rtfs/