Background to the programme

Background to Edinburgh's ECAT Clinical PhD programme

The ECAT programme offers clinicians an unparalleled opportunity to undertake a PhD in a world-leading research centre at the University of Edinburgh.  The current programme builds on the principles of research excellence and mentorship developed over nearly 20 years since the programme was first established in 2008, funded by Wellcome, with a strong emphasis on research inclusivity and a positive research culture.

Timeline

2027     New ECAT (combined institutional/external funding)

2022     ECAT-i award (Wellcome funding)

2017     ECAT-Plus award (Wellcome funding)

2013     Extension of original award (Wellcome funding)

2008     Original ECAT award (Wellcome funding)

Building on the research training excellence developed over that period, and with a combination of external and institutional funding, the ECAT programme continues to go from strength to strength proudly offering PhD training opportunities for clinicians from a broad range of professional backgrounds.  The diagram on the right shows the diversity of clinical disciplines and healthcare professions recruited to the programme to-date. Click here to see a larger image.

Due to funding restrictions, the programme is not currently open to General Practice or NMAHP candidates.

 

Clinical professions recruited to ECAT

Every ECAT post includes a tailored lead-in period, depending on clinical specialty and professional background, when fellows are supported by a dedicated team of ECAT directors to explore PhD opportunities and settings.  This unique approach allows ECAT fellows to choose their own PhD project, supervisor and academic centre, thus developing independent, creative thinking from the outset. After the PhD, all ECAT clinical lecturers will have protected research time.  

Flexibility around less-than-full-time working, career breaks and varied career pathways means every ECAT fellowship is structured to suit the individual, with continual support, mentorship and supervision from the lead-in period, throughout the PhD and on into the postdoctoral phase.

To join the ECAT programme means joining a diverse cohort of successful individuals with a wide range of clinical backgrounds and scientific interests, providing opportunities for shared understanding and learning, developing an interdisciplinary and interprofessional clinical academic workforce with research that crosses-boundaries.

Edinburgh is a superb city and an excellent place in which to undertake research training, with ever increasing diverse opportunities.

 

Read about the different posts on offer:

ECAT Clinical Lecturers typically enter the programme early in specialty training.  These posts include a lead-in year in which offers 100% accreditation for clinical training but also includes dedicated academic time to identify PhD supervisors and to develop a bespoke PhD project in one of the internationally competitive, multidisciplinary research centres at the University of Edinburgh.  After the lead-in period, ECAT Clinical Lecturers enter three years of full-time PhD training fully funded by a Wellcome PhD for Health Professionals.  Following the PhD, a guaranteed postdoctoral Clinical Lectureship to CCT (Certificate of Clinical Training) (+ 6 months) with protected academic time to maintain research momentum.


ECAT Veterinary Clinical Lectureships provide an introductory year with 30% time in relevant clinical specialty at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and 70% academic time to identify PhD supervisors and to develop a bespoke PhD project in one of the internationally competitive, multidisciplinary research centres at the University of Edinburgh.  After the lead-in period, ECAT Veterinary Clinical Lecturers enter three years of full-time PhD training fully funded by a Wellcome PhD for Health Professionals.   On successful completion of the PhD candidates have one year of funding to consolidate their research skills and ideas, for initial preparation of a research project for a substantiative / fellowship funding application.


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