Testimonials
Here's what our Fellows said about the programme.
Ali Al-Janabi 2020-2023
"My time as a fellow on this scheme has encouraged me to pursue a career as a clinical academic. I developed skills in a broad range of research methodologies and techniques, including epidemiology, genetic analyses and bioinformatics which I am utilising as I undertake further research within my NIHR-funded Clinical Lecturer post.
As part of this scheme, I gained direct experience of working with industry I am continuing to collaborate with industry partners on a range of academic studies on inflammatory skin diseases."
Mira Swaminathan 2020-2023
"Participating in the scheme has been an incredibly enriching and transformative experience that has laid the groundwork for my future academic career. One of the key highlights for me was the industry partnership component of the fellowship. My placement at an industry partner site in San Diego was an extraordinary opportunity, offering me a first hand experience in a real-world, cutting-edge pharmacological research environment. This exposure helped me bridge the gap between academia and industry, enhancing my understanding of how clinical pharmacology research is translated into therapeutic interventions.
Furthermore, the continuous support from my industry partner has been critical to the success of my research project. They have contributed to various aspects of my work, from refining the study design to providing expert guidance on data analysis. Their mentorship has not only advanced my project but has also contributed to my professional development."
Christopher Darlow 2018-2022*
"Successful competition of the fellowship contributed significantly to my academic career development and in vitro and in silico skills detailed above with associated outputs. These allowed me to successfully secure an NIHR Academic Clinical Lectureship at the University of Liverpool, and the network of academic and industry contacts I made during my fellowship has laid the foundation for my ongoing work."
Sara Boyd 2017–2021*
"I found this scheme pivotal in providing the right opportunities for my career. I intend to build upon the industry links I have made in order to improve care for patients in the area of infection diagnostics and pharmacology. I believe the scheme is completely unique in what it offers young pharmacologists and the UK would be at a loss if this scheme did not exist."
Alex Haragan 2017-2020
"The scheme has immeasurably helped my career. In addition to providing me with a prestigious PhD I have forged global links with clinical colleagues within my speciality of thoracic pathology and other disciplines as well as making connections in the world of academia and industry.
The scheme has taught me to balance clinical work alongside research and I am now a consultant thoracic pathologist with research commitments and hoping to continue building on this success."
James Bluett 2013-2016
"During the fellowship I worked across both universities (Manchester and Liverpool) and led my own research, admitting patients for a pharmacokinetic study as Principal Investigator at the Manchester Clinical Research Facility and I accessed cutting-edge technologies to develop a novel assay.
The scheme included a bespoke training programme equipping me with the knowledge and skills required to ensure my PhD was a success, including principles of pharmacokinetics, clinical trial design and research ethics. My supervisors were internationally recognised, spanning both universities which meant that I received excellent support. The MRC fellowship scheme was the crucial first step for me to become a clinical academic."
Meghna Jani 2012-2015
"The fellowship scheme allowed me to obtain my first funded fellowship to undertake a PhD, which provided the foundation for me to build a clinical academic career that allows me to spend 80% of my time doing research and 20% clinical.
The skills developed through my PhD and the MRC pharmacology training have been instrumental in helping me build my current programme of work in pharmacoepidemiology and health data science. The collaborations and mentorship during my PhD, have continued throughout my academic career and are still very much valued."
* extended due to the COVID 19 pandemic