CSO looking to Appoint HIPS Research Committee Chair

The Chief Scientist Office is looking to appoint a Chair for one of its two research funding Committees: the Health Improvement, Protection & Services (HIPS) Research Committee that considers applications for research aimed at improving or protecting population health or improving the quality, safety and/or effectiveness of healthcare in Scotland.  For more information on the committee and remit see: Health Improvement, Protection and Services Research Committee

Expressions of interest are invited from established academic and/or clinical health researchers based in a Scottish University or Health Board who have extensive experience of the conduct of health research in areas within the remit of the committee, the appraisal of research grant applications, and research grant funding committees.

The HIPS committee runs two application rounds per year, with each round involving two-stages (short outlines, generally around 30-35 applications per round, and then full research applications, generally around 12-15 applications per round), giving a total of four meetings per year.  The Chair is expected to oversee and chair all four meetings to ensure that the Committee provides a recommendation to CSO for each application.  Meetings are arranged around the availability of the Chair and Vice Chair and generally run from 10am to around 3pm.  Since the pandemic, the committee has met virtually, and this is likely to continue with the possibility of alternating virtual and in person meetings to be considered in the future.

The Chair is supported by scientific and administrative staff in CSO, and a Vice-Chair who leads the review of those applications where the Chair has conflicts of interest.

CSO may also from time to time seek advice from the Chair and Vice Chair on matters relating to the committee, including its terms of reference, membership, and application process.

If you are interested in this position, please email a letter to Tom Barlow setting out your expertise and experience in health research, the appraisal of research grant applications, and research grant funding committees, and why you are interested in the role.  Selection will be based on review of the expressions of interest by members of CSO and may include a short interview.

If you would like to discuss the role in advance of submitting an expression of interest please contact: Tom Barlow

Expressions of interest should be submitted by close 30 November 2021.