Postgraduate International Studentships in Antimicrobal Chemotherapy

Purpose

The BSAC studentship scheme is designed to ensure a flow of first-class postgraduate students into the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy, providing students with an excellent training in research.

SPECIFIC CALL FOR 2016 STUDENTSHIP APPLICATIONS
In 2016 BSAC is giving priority to applications in areas 1 and 2 below:

1. Diagnostics

A. More optimal/effective use of antimicrobials through PK/PD in clinical practice
B. Prognostic markers of bacterial infection (i.e. When is an antibacterial indicated?)
C. Prognostic markers of infection with microorganisms resistant to first-line empirical treatment regimens (i.e. When is a broad-spectrum antibacterial indicated?)
D. Can better use of existing or new laboratory diagnostics including biomarkers support better stewardship across healthcare communities?

2. Antimicrobial Stewardship

A. The impact of resistance or antimicrobial consumption surveillance on patient outcomes in community, long term care and acute facilities
B. Innovative promotion of behaviour change science in prescribing in all healthcare settings
C. Impact of educational solutions/ guidelines etc on stewardship practice / infection treatment outcomes [could be systematic review]
D. Impact of sepsis campaigns on optimal antibiotic use / stewardship or use of “older agents” used in stewardship on clinical outcomes

Wherever possible projects should be cross disciplinary and take account of the One Health Agenda

Applications can also be submitted under the usual areas of interest as follows:

Mechanisms of antibacterial action
Mechanisms of antibacterial resistance
Antiviral resistance
Antiviral
Antifungals
Antibiotic methods
Antibiotic prescribing
Antibiotic therapy
Antiparasitics
Evidence based medicine / systematic reviews

Eligibility

BSAC Studentships are open to applicants on a worldwide/international basis. Applications must be made by an established investigator who will be the supervisor, and who has previously received funding for three or fewer studentships. Only applications for named students will be accepted.

Studentships are awarded to students who have (or are expected to obtain) a 1st class or high upper 2nd class degree; or a Master’s degree with merit or distinction. BSAC considers applications for research training leading to a PhD / DPhil, or equivalent post graduate research degree qualification (eg. MD/DM, DDS/DMD, PharmD, DNurs). International students are eligible if approved by a recognised UK or Republic of Ireland University / College.

Duration of Studentship grants: BSAC studentships are designed to support a PhD Student for up to 4 years in duration.

Value of grant

Up to a maximum of £25,000 per year, for the duration of the grant
BSAC studentships are funded to a maximum value of £25,000 per year, covering fees for a maximum of 4 years in duration. Non EU applicants will need to ensure their host institution is able to support any additional costs outside of this £25,000 award i.e. any additional funds required outside of the value of this grant will need to be sought elsewhere.

Application process

Studentship applications are all subject to a stringent three-step review process as follows: 1) an initial triage process, 2) an external peer review process; and 3) a final review by the BSAC Grants Committee. The triage process assesses the eligibility of all applicants & research topics. Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will be rejected at the triage stage.
Applications may include: Student stipend, Tuition fees (set by the research institution) and Research consumables directly attributable to the project.

How to apply

Applications must complete the PhD Studentship application form, submitting this via the BSAC online submission system.
Note: Applications must be submitted as one single document via the BSAC online Grants Submission System. BSAC cannot collate paperwork on behalf of any applicant.

Applications must comprise:

Student, names of two supervisors and institution details
Detailed research proposal
Statement detailing the scientific techniques for which the student will receive training
Budget detailing annual costs (stipend, tuition fees, consumables)
Training record for each named supervisor
Accompanying documents from the applicant (Lead Supervisor):
All applicants must provide evidence that 1) the research project has been approved by the Head of Department/Institute, and 2) the student meets all registration requirements of the host institute to successfully carry out the research project.

Approval from the Head of Department as follows:

a) A letter stating the department/institute supports the research project & student
b) A statement confirming the student meets all registration requirements of the host institute to successfully carry out the research project

2. A brief CV of the supervisor/s (maximum 2x A4 sides)

Accompanying documents (Student)

A record of the student’s academic performance*
A full CV of the student, plus a statement of their career intentions
Two academic letters of reference supporting the student
*For non-UK university degrees: evidence from the Graduate Office that the degree held conforms to a UK 2.1 degree, or higher.

Terms and Conditions

The Terms and Conditions for all BSAC Grants and Scholarships are published on the BSAC website. The applicant and host institute is required to read the terms and conditions before completing any application form.

Next Submission Deadline: 30 November 2016, at 23:59 GMT

Award dates: By 31 May following the year of application

Number of awards: Subject to availability of funding

Correspondence: All correspondence, including submission of the final reports, should be sent to The BSAC Grants Secretary at: grants@bsac.org.uk

For more information click "Further official information" below.

Postgraduate International Studentships in Antimicrobal Chemotherapy

Deadline:

November 30, 2016

Disciplines:

Biological Chemistry, Biology