As a funder, we value applications from multi-disciplinary research teams. These teams can include nurses, allied health professionals and care home staff. Some of these staff have arranged to be part-released from their day-to-day role in order to work in research. However, we are hearing that many colleagues are having trouble securing funding to undertake research, and also time away from their jobs.
Encouraging responsible funding
As a responsible funder, we ensure that when it comes to patient, carer and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) our researchers request sufficient funding to cover participants time, travel costs and any care costs. We want to make sure that same ethos is extended to our early career researchers.
If a project grant doesn’t allow for the cost of training courses, for example, how do applicants develop the necessary research skills? For those lucky enough to be awarded funding that includes the cost of training courses (and if time off work is approved), are they able to cover the additional costs of travel, accommodation and care themselves, if required?
We are keen to provide support with these issues because we want to encourage nurses, allied health professionals and care home staff into research. And we hope that we will lead the way for other funders to do the same. Here are a few of the ways in which the Academy is addressing these issues:
The Ignition Fund
The Academy Ignition Fund is open throughout the year and provides up to £5k for a variety of initiatives. This can include research training courses and secondments. Regardless of why you are applying, we also welcome the inclusion of costs to back fill your post, as well as travel and accommodation expenses. Applicants must be Academy members (it is free and easy to join) and we have set dates throughout the year when we assess submitted applications. Find out more here.
Excellence Awards
Two of our Academy Excellence Award winners are also using some of their funds to specifically support care home staff, nurses and allied health professionals.
Dr Jenni Burton, Rising Star 2024
Jenni is a Clinical Academic Trainee in geriatric medicine based at the University of Glasgow and working clinically in NHS Lanarkshire. Her research focuses on improving understanding of the needs of people living in care homes and those who support them, personally and professionally. Jenni is using part of her award to support the professional development of care home staff, providing education and training opportunities which have the potential to shape practice development and research grounded in care home practice; offering support to those who are keen to gain applied ageing research experience, but whose opportunities have been limited; and supporting individuals involved in ageing research who may be at precarious points of career transition, to enable them to remain research active.
Please email Jenni to discuss whether she is able to support you.
Professor Vicki Goodwin, Senior Leader 2025
Vicki is a physiotherapist and Professor of Ageing and Rehabilitation at the University of Exeter. Her research focuses on the assessment and management of frailty, including conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia, with a strong focus on public engagement. Vicki is using part of her award to support early career researchers – in particular allied health professionals and nurses – through bursaries, support with PPIE, and learning opportunities including conference funding. She aims to develop their clinical academic careers to become future leaders in ageing research.
Please email Vicki to see if she is able to support you.
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Find out more about the Academy and how to join here.