Applications are now open for the next intake of this scheme.
The aim of this scheme is to build research capacity in the Scottish NHS as such it provides the opportunity for clinical professionals early in their career to undertake a PhD. The eligibility for this scheme includes doctors and dentists in training, GPs, GDPs, NMAHPS, Healthcare Scientists and Pharmacists. More information is outlined in the guidance document, please contact CSO if you are unsure or have further questions that are not covered.
Application process:
The application deadline is Midday on Wednesday 19th November 2025.
Candidates should submit an application using the new CSO Grants Management System. You will need to make an account before you will be able to apply.
There will be two forms will be available on the application portal, please make sure you select the relevant version.
Please ensure that you have read the guidance document below before applying.
If you have any questions or queries about the fellowship or application portal, please contact the CSO Fellowships team.
Details of previously funded Clinical Academic Fellowship projects are available on our Funded Projects page.
Documents
Forms for current holders of CSO CAF Fellowships
Current Fellowship Panels
Medic Scheme
| Professor Peter Barlow (Chair) | Professor of Immunology & Infection, Edinburgh Napier University |
| Dr Samira Bell | Clinical Reader, Population Health and Genomics and Honorary Consultant Nephrologist |
| Dr Jonathan Berg | Clinical Reader and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Genetics, University of Dundee |
| Dr Mairead Black | Senior Clinical Lecturer, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen |
| Professor Kevin Blyth | Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow |
| Professor Shauna Culshaw | Professor of Periodontology and Immunology (Dental School), University of Glasgow |
| Dr Richard Hansen | Clinical Reader in Child Health and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist, University of Dundee |
| Dr Rahul Kalla | Consultant Gastroenterologist, NHS Lothian |
| Dr Donald MacIntyre | Director, NRS Mental Health Network; Honorary Reader, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, NHS Lothian |
| Dr Stephen McSorley | Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, University of Glasgow |
| Professor Sara Macdonald | Professor, Director of Innovation, Engagement and Enterprise (General Practice and Primary Care), University of Glasgow |
| Dr Gillian Smith | Senior Lecturer, Division of Cancer Research, University of Dundee |
| Dr Stefan Symeonides | Senior Clinical Lecturer, Medical Oncology, University of Edinburgh |
| Professor Matthew Walters | Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Glasgow |
Non-Medic Scheme
| Professor Kay Cooper | Clinical Professor of Allied Health Professions, Robert Gordon University |
| Professor Bridget Johnson | Clinical Professor of Nursing and Palliative Care, Director of Research, University of Glasgow |
| Dr Connie McLuckie | Lead Midwife for Education, Edinburgh Napier University |
| Professor Nicola Ring | Professor of Nursing, Edinburgh Napier University |
| Dr Christopher Seenan | Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, University of Stirling |
| Professor Marietta Van Der Linden | Senior Research Fellow, Dietetics, Nutrition & Biological Sciences, Physiotherapy, Podiatry & Radiography Division, Queen Margaret University; Co-Director, Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research |
| Dr Kath Williamson | Clinical Nurse Specialist Bariatric Care (Community), NHS Lothian |