Student Electives 2019
Scar Free Foundation Electives are worth up to £1,200 each, for research in the areas of scarring, wound healing and disfigurement The awards provide students with the opportunity to broaden their perception and experience of research, during a 6-8 week supervised period in one of the following disciplines:
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Burn medicine and care
- Hand surgery
- Craniofacial care and treatment
Electives are offered in conjunction with 4 of our Principal Member Organisations:
- The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAPRAS)
- The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH)
- The British Burns Association (BBA)
- The Craniofacial Society of Great Britain and Ireland (CFSGB&I)
The Electives are competitive and are externally assessed by expert Reviewers who look for rigour in research, quality supervision, and the potential impact on the student’s future career. Previous recipients of our funding have gone on to undertake further research training, PhDs, and some have become NIHR Clinical Academic Fellows.
How to apply
Electives are available in the following fields (see below for remit and eligibility criteria):
Award
SFF/ BAPRAS
To support projects focused on plastic and reconstructive surgery
Five awards per annum
Eligibility: Medical Students only
SFF/BSSH
To support projects focused on hand surgery
Three awards per annum
Eligibility: Medical Students only
SFF/BBA
To support projects focused on burn medicine and care
Three awards per annum
Eligibility: Medical, paramedic, nursing, dietetics and psychology students
SFF/CFSGB&I
To support projects focussed on craniofacial medicine, care and treatment
Two awards per annum
Eligibility: Medical, dental, nursing, psychology, speech & language therapy students may apply
Supervision
For novice and early career researchers support from experienced researchers is vital.
We offer two options for those wishing to apply for Electives:
1 - Apply with a Scar Free Foundation Supervisor
A number of Senior Clinicians and Academics have kindly offered to act as Supervisors for Scar Free Foundation Student Electives. All our Supervisors have experience in undertaking and supervising research. Some have suggested projects they wish to supervise within their areas of expertise, whilst others have indicated the areas in which they are willing to supervise projects. All will provide recipients with an excellent introduction to the world of research.
A list of supervisors is available to download below. Applicants are asked to contact the Supervisors directly. The Supervisor will review and sign off application forms prior to submission.
2 - Suggest your own Supervisor and project
Applicants are also welcome to suggest their own project and Supervisor.
Applicants will need to get Supervisors to agree to support their project idea and sign off their application form. The Supervisor will need to provide the Scar Free Foundation with a copy of their CV, detailing previous academic experience. This should be submitted along with the application form.
All Supervisors will undertake to provide the following level of support:
- Review and aid the development of the Student’s research protocol, to ensure that methodological issues are dealt with prior to the Student beginning their project
- Act as a ‘sounding board’ for any issues that emerge during the project, at the analysis or write-up stage
- Set a deadline for receipt of a draft final report, reviewing and providing constructive criticism to the Student within a timeframe, which enables them to make any necessary changes
- Sign off the student’s report and provide a short report to the Scar Free Foundation on their progress
We have recommended that 4-6 meetings/phone calls take place between the Supervisor and student during the project and write up phase.
If you wish to undertake your elective abroad
Scar Free Foundation Elective funding can be used for projects taking place Overseas. Students wishing to do this will need to have a UK-based Supervisor and a Second Supervisor, based at the institution where the research takes place. The Second Supervisor will ensure that the work undertaken overseas is carried out as described.
Please send an electronic copy to [email protected] and post one paper copy with original signatures to:
Charlotte Coates, Head of Research Funds, The Scar Free Foundation, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3PE