Guidance Notes for applicants

Speciality area: Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery

Background: This “BIOS/ORUK Pump-Prime Research Fund (PPRF)” was established as a  collaborative initiative between Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) and British Indian Orthopaedic Society (BIOS) with shared goal to increase orthopaedic research by promoting the development of research skills within the MSK community.

The BIOS Research Committee under the aegis of The British Indian Orthopaedic Society (BIOS) aims to provide educational and research support to Orthopaedic Surgeons of Indian origin (UK or India born) currently in Training or Practicing in the UK.

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK), is a well-established medical charity dedicated to advancing orthopaedic knowledge through funding, supporting, publicising research and organising educational and training events.

Aim of “BIOS/ ORUK Pump-Prime Research Fund (PPRF) is to support pump-prime funding projects in Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, fund early studies and pilot studies that may lead to further longitudinal studies.  

Who can apply? 

The BIOS/ORUK Pump-Prime Research Fund (PPRF) is open to members of BIOS, including all Core Trainees CST1-2, SAS Grades (in Substantive posts) and Higher Trainee grades ST3- Above, who have passed the MRCS Part B with career in or aptitude towards the field of Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic surgery.

Funding Details

• One of the project members to be a full BIOS Member with dues paid or supervisor is a BIOS member. Otherwise the candidate would be recommended to join BIOS as a member, if successful.

BIOS will be administering the processes for proposals, peer review, grant award, contract and grant monitoring.

• Funding will be paid in installments to the host institution.
• The final installment will be paid on receipt of a satisfactory final report.
• Amount Awarded: up to £20,000 is available in total for up to 2 projects
• What does it NOT cover: travel, laptop, computer accessories or funds to submit for open access article submission(s).
• A funding breakdown needs to be provided. It is expected that the award holders will support the BIOS and ORUK with the public engagement, annual reports and publications, as well as fundraising campaigns (if any).
• The financial and non-financial support of BIOS and ORUK must be duly acknowledged in all presentation and papers on the research given by the awardee and partners.

Application Guidelines

• Applicant must demonstrate ownership of a Research Project
• Research is undertaken in the UK
• Relevant research experience/projects are desirable, e.g. as a MSc or peer-reviewed, indexed publications or a track record of completed projects.

“BIOS/ORUK Pump-Prime Research Fund (PPRF)” Application process

• Applications must be made via email as per the advert along with the attached forms.
• Support letter from the Supervisor and Host Institution to confirm arrangements in place
• As part of the application, a brief curriculum vitae must be filled out and must not exceed one A4 page.
• Where approval of the Research Ethics Committee (REC)is required, written confirmation must be enclosed with the application.
• All Eligible applications will be reviewed by the ORUK Research Committee / Scientific Advisory Committee & the BIOS Research Team for shortlisting purposes (any panel member with a conflict of interest will recuse).
• Shortlisted Candidates will be invited to attend a short online interview and a presentation to pitch their research proposal, after which the final funding decision will be made.
• Format of presentation: 10-minute presentation followed by 15-minutes of questions from the panel.
• The panel will comprise of members of the British Indian Orthopaedic Society Research Committee and the ORUK Research Committee / Scientific Advisory Committee.
• The date and time of the interview will be confirmed beforehand.
• The first awardees will be awarded their PPRF in FY 2025-26 and undertake their research project over an agreed period, no later than 6 months after receipt of the award.
• Successful Candidates will need to sign “BIOS/ORUK Pump-Prime Research Fund (PPRF)” terms and conditions.
• Awardees must inform BIOS of their start date.
• Awardees will present at the Annual BIOSCON, covering aims of the Project, an update on progress and completion.
• An inability to progress through the project within the award timeframe will result in withdrawal of the award.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the British Indian Orthopaedic Society Research Team, BIOS (UK) research.biosuk@gmail.com

https://britishindianorthopaedicsociety.org.uk/research/