2010 Applications now closed.

Details of applications for 2011 will be uploaded shortly.

2009 Young Investigator Award winners were:
Dr Simon Barnes, University College London 
Dr Damon Lowes, University of Aberdeen 
Dr Robert Parker, Royal Berkshire Hospital
Dr Jayachandran Radhakrishnan, University of Oxford
Dr Ben Shelley, University of Glasgow
Dr Charlotte Summers, University of Cambridge

The research grants of the ICS are aimed primarily at encouraging young research workers. The definition of “young” is left intentionally open and generally means those either in training or soon after appointment to a substantive post. The awards are intended to be pump-priming grants that will lead to further and more substantial support from other grant giving bodies. The grants are open to members and non members of the Society. Equal weighting will be given to quality clinical research projects and laboratory-based projects that have a relevance to the field of intensive care. Priority for funding will go to those distinct small projects where the “Young Investigator” plays a principal role and where the project will build research capacity.

The Society has only modest funds available each year and therefore limits the maximum for individual grants to £15,000. The Society is recognized as an NIHR portfolio partner. In 2009 a total of £60,000 was awarded.

Part funding proposals (in conjunction with other grant sources) will be considered but must be accompanied by a clear indication of how ICS funds will be allocated and contribute to the overall project. Lower priority will be given for applications merely seeking top up to larger projects.

Applications will undergo an extensive review process involving both internal and external reviewers. In September the committee will review the applications and reviews and depending on the circumstances should arrive at a decision. However in exceptional circumstance applicants may be required to participate in a further stage of the selection process. This would usually entail clarification by written (email) communication. The final decision to award will be made by the committee and acknowledged in writing. Feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants.

The following aspects of the proposal are scored:
• Originality of work
• Quality of study design/methods
• Proposed statistical analysis
• Feasibility within timescale
• Relevance to intensive care
• Chance of obtaining subsequent substantial funding
• Overall compliance with the aims of the Young Investigator Award.

This score remains confidential to the committee. The decision of the Research Committee will be final and binding. There is no appeals process.  The Research Committee will expect a written report at the conclusion of the project along with copies of any publications that arise. It is a condition of the award of a grant that the Intensive Care Society is acknowledged in all presentations and publication of work resulting from the research. A written report at the conclusion of the project, and an annual progress report is required on the anniversary of the award. Applicants are expected to submit their work for presentation at the "ICS Young Investigator" session at the Winter Meeting of the Society.

For any queries please contact gemma@ics.ac.uk