ARC KSS works with other organisations to maximise opportunities for individuals to develop their research career through fellowships, supporting researchers to apply for NIHR opportunities, through funded PhD scholarships and learning and development opportunities.
ARC KSS fellowships and PhD scholarships
View details of previous awardees of our Individual Development Awards - view awardees.
You can find out more about the researchers undertaking a PhD with the ARC KSS academy on our theme pages..
NIHR Health and Care Professional Internship Programme
Led by Dr Julie MacInnes and hosted by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is a regionally delivered initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is designed to build research capacity among health and care professionals across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. The programme will begin in September 2025 and run over three years.
Each year, 23 flexible, pre-doctoral internships—each valued up to £10,000—will be offered. These are bespoke awards, tailored to individual learning needs and career aspirations, with activities aligned to four progressive levels: Stepping into Research, Growing in Research, Research Delivery Leadership, and Clinical/Practitioner Academic Leadership. Interns will benefit from placements, mentorship, academic modules, or small-scale research projects.
The programme is supported by a strong partnership of NHS Trusts, Higher Education Institutions, and infrastructure organisations. It actively promotes inclusivity by targeting under-represented groups and professions, offering culturally relevant outreach, and embedding public and patient involvement throughout.
Why it matters:
This programme addresses critical workforce challenges by nurturing a new generation of research-engaged professionals. It fosters a positive research culture, enhances service delivery through evidence-based practice, and strengthens regional research infrastructure. By supporting diverse career pathways and promoting equity in research access, the programme contributes to more inclusive, innovative, and effective health and care systems
ARC KSS Newsletter
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ARC KSS Academy Collaboration Hub
Sign up to our online collaboration hub where we share articles, resources, topic digests, events, list of funders and more.
ARC KSS You Tube
View our learning and development sessions and top tips videos on You Tube
Learning and Development Finder
To help researchers on their journey our finder is populated with details of regional and national courses, webinars, face-to-face events and useful workshops on a range of topics that include: critical appraisal, grant development & writing, research methods and statistics - to name but a few.
Inspiring People into Research - NIHR INSIGHT Programme for the South East details here.
Regional and National Funding Opportunities
You can find a list of funders relevant to ARC on the Academy Collaboration Hub – browse list of funders here
