The Associate PI scheme aims to develop health and care professionals to become the Principal Investigators (PIs) of the future.

What is it?

A six month in-work training opportunity, providing practical experience for health and care professionals starting their research career.

People who would not normally have the opportunity to take part in clinical research in their day-to-day role have the chance to experience what it means to work on and deliver an NIHR portfolio trial under the mentorship of an enthusiastic Local Principal Investigator (PI).

Who is it for?

Any health and care professional, working in any discipline and not already working in research.

Any health and care professional willing to make a significant contribution to the conduct and delivery of a study at a local level over a period of six months.

A healthcare professional looking to develop their skills and get involved in research.

Applications from people from all backgrounds and communities are encouraged. We are committed to having leadership and teams that are made up of diverse skills and experiences.

What will you learn?

During their time on the scheme, the Associate PI trainee must complete a learning pathway on NIHR Learn, which includes a checklist of mandated study activities to complete. This checklist needs to be signed off by the Local PI and a member of the National Study Team at the end of scheme.

Associate Principal Investigators receive formal recognition of engagement in NIHR Portfolio research studies through the certification of Associate PI status, endorsed by the NIHR and Royal Colleges.

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Who can access:
Any Health and Care registered professional

You may need to register for a free NIHR Learn Account

Aims:
Associate PI Scheme Alumni area will further support an individual's pathway into research.

Resources include:

The Principal Investigator Learning Directory
Available for those who are interested in gaining more research knowledge and are looking to take on the role of Principal Investigator in the future.

Making Local Connections
Providing you with the details of Local Workforce Delivery Leads.

Alumni Forum
Associate PIs can connect with each other and share their experiences of the Scheme, and what they have done since the Scheme and also share any ideas of what can be done after the Associate PI Scheme.

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The NIHR-AoMRC Clinician Researcher Credentials Framework aims to provide the necessary networks, skills and confidence needed to lead and support clinical research delivery.

What is it?

A national framework of Master's level qualifications.

The courses are designed for learners with busy work schedules and who will be studying part time.

Learners can take individual qualifications as required to develop their chosen career path.

Who is it for?

Experienced healthcare practitioners from all professional backgrounds who aspire to take on leadership roles in clinical research delivery, such as Co-Investigator or Principal Investigator.

Those who have no or limited research experience and those currently working in research delivery.

Applications from people from all backgrounds and communities are encouraged. We are committed to having leadership and teams that are made up of diverse skills and experiences.

What will you learn?

There are three components to the Framework. Learners can complete a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and/or a full Master’s degree.

The Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma include:

1)  Online theoretical modules designed to develop a thorough understanding of the delivery of clinical research; and

2)  A workplace-based module where learners work alongside experienced researchers to gain practical experience.

To obtain a full master’s degree learners also complete a dissertation.

The course content varies depending on the higher education institution delivering the qualification.  Please visit the Course Information webpage for further details.

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The Principal Investigator Pipeline Programme (PIPP) aims to provide a career opportunity for research delivery nurses and midwives by supporting them to become Principal Investigators (PIs) to deliver NIHR portfolio studies.

What is it?

The programme will develop the skills, knowledge and experience required by research nurses and midwives to undertake a Principal Investigator (PI) role.

A free programme delivered through a variety of live virtual and on-line classroom environments, combined with real world hands-on experience.

Who is it for?

Research Delivery Nurses or Midwives who want to develop their leadership skills.

Research Delivery Nurses and midwives working across a range of settings.

Applications from people from all backgrounds and communities are encouraged. We are committed to having leadership and teams that are made up of diverse skills and experiences.

You must be a registered NMC nurse or midwife or GDC registered dental nurse working within an organisation funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and working in a research delivery role for at least 50% of your role.

What will you learn?

There are four core elements to the PIPP which are undertaken in sequential order.

Element 1 covers the role and the responsibilities of the PI on a NIHR portfolio study and why the role is important in the delivery of high quality research.

Element 2 provides supervised experience in the PI role, enabling the development of practical knowledge and skills in a safe environment.

Element 3 continues to build on the practical experience gained in Element 2 by undertaking the PI role on a NIHR portfolio study.

Element 4 consolidates all of the programme learning by asking participants to mentor other learners in Element 3 of the programme. It is anticipated that the programme will take between 12-18 months to complete.

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