An Introduction to Clinical Research including Critical Appraisal
Wednesday 24 - Thursday 25 September
Courses
Wed 24 - Thu 25 Sep
| 2 Day Event
Wed 08:30 - Thu 16:30
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
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This interactive two-day course designed specifically for early years’ medical trainees, particularly IMT2, IMT3, and ST4 doctors. It is also ideal for any clinician looking to develop a strong foundation in research methods and evidence-based practice.
Research is a core part of the NHS's mission, and all trainee physicians are expected to understand and engage with the research process. Whether you're aiming to conduct your own research or support ongoing studies within your clinical setting, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to do so.
Through expert-led sessions and practical guidance, you will gain insights into:
- How the research process works from concept to publication
- Designing a robust and ethical clinical study
- How to actively get involved in research as a trainee
- The vital role clinicians play in supporting research across the NHS
By the end of the course, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to navigate the research landscape and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of clinical knowledge.
Organising Committee
Dr Roanna Hall
Dr Alixe Kilgour
Dr Eve Miller-Hodges
Event Poster
Day 1 - Wednesday 24 September 2025 - Getting started
| 08:30 | Registration and Coffee |
Session 1 - Chair, Dr Eve Miller-Hodges
| 09:00 | Introductions and welcome Dr Eve Miller-Hodges, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Inherited Metabolic Diseases and Renal Medicine, University of Edinburgh |
|---|---|
| 09:30 | The research process and types of study Dr Alixe Kilgour, Consultant, Medicine of the Elderly, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh |
| 10:00 | Designing a study - clinical trials Professor Matt Reed, Honorary Professor, University of Edinburgh and Consultant & NRS Fellow in Emergency Medicine, NHS Lothian |
| 10:45 | Break |
Session 2 - Chair, Dr Roanna Hall
| 11:00 | Applying for Funding Dr Robert Hunter, Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Career Development Fellow & Honorary Consultant in Renal Medicine, University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh |
| 11:40 | Constructing a protocol Professor James Dear, Reader, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh |
| 12:10 | Designing a study - routine healthcare data Speaker TBC |
| 12:40 | LUNCH |
Session 3 - Chair, Dr Eve Miller-Hodges
| 13:45 | Approvals & ethics Dr Eve Miller-Hodges, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Inherited Metabolic Diseases and Renal Medicine, University of Edinburgh |
|---|---|
| 14:15 | Practical ethical review - group work |
| 14:45 | Feedback and discussions on group work |
| 15:15 | Break |
Session 4 - Chair, Dr Alixe Kilgour
| 15:30 | Designing a study - group work |
Academic career pathways - vignettes from researchers - Chair, Dr Alixe Kilgour
| 16:30 | researcher tbc |
|---|---|
| 16:50 | researcher tbc |
| 17:10 | Close of day one |
Day 2 - Thursday 25 September 2025
Session 1 - Chair, Dr Eve Miller-Hodges
| 08:30 | Registration and Coffee |
| 09:00 | Present your study to the funding panel Dr Eve Miller-Hodges, Dr Alixe Kilgour, Dr Roanna Hall |
| 09:30 | Project management and data management Speaker TBC |
| 10:15 | Analysing your data Dr Andrew Chapman, Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh & Consultant Cardiologist, NHS Lothian |
| 11:00 | Break |
Session 2 - Chair, Dr Alixe Kilgour
| 11:15 | Writing up and publishing your results Dr Roanna Hall, Consultant Geriatrician, NHS Lothian |
| 11:35 | Writing an abstract and group work Dr Angus Gane, Specialist Trainee Neurology, NHS Lothian |
| 12.15 | Group evaluation and discussion of the abstracts Dr Eve Miller-Hodges, Dr Roanna Hall, Dr Alixe Kilgour, Dr Angus Gane |
| 12:45 | Break |
Session 3 - Chair, Dr Roanna Hall
| 13:30 | Science communication - more than just publishing papers Speaker TBC |
| 14:00 | Brief introduction to critical appraisal Dr Thulani Ashcroft, NHS Lothian and University of Edinburgh |
| 14:45 | Critical appraisal - group work |
| 15:45 | Critical appraisal feedback and summarise main learning points Dr Thulani Ashcroft |
| 16:15 | Summing up Dr Alixe Kilgour |
| 16:30 | Close of course |
Please note that on occasion event programmes may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances
Not a Member of RCPE? By joining the College, you can save up to 100% on event fees for our symposia, courses and Evening Medical Update programme. Find out more about joining the College and our membership benefits via our membership webpages.
Booking for this event closes on Wednesday 10 September 2025 to allow pre-course reading material to be issued to registered delegates. Places may still be available after that date - please contact the event co-ordinator for further information.
Places are restricted, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
| Standard Fee | £255 |
| RCPE Fellows, Collegiate Members & Associate Members | £175 |
| RCPE Foundation Member | £160 |
Invoices: If you wish your employer/organisation to be invoiced for this event, please contact the event co-ordinator. Payment via invoice is not available while booking online.
Cancellation/Refund policy: If you have to cancel your place within 4 days of this event, we regret that we are unable to provide a refund.
Booking Terms & Conditions: Please read the College’s full event booking T&Cs regarding event changes, CPD, and data protection.
Certificates: All relevant events are approved for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). To receive a CPD certificate delegates must have completed the online feedback survey. The survey will close 28 days after the original broadcast of the event on the 23 October 2025, with certificates being issued shortly after this. Certificates cannot be issued after the survey has closed.
Catch-up: Registered delegates can view this event on catch-up for up to 6 months following the live event until 25 March 2026. Please note that in-line with Federation rules, the CPD period is for 28 days post live-event, therefore, in order to obtain a CPD certificate for viewing this event you must have viewed the talks and completed the online feedback survey by 23 October 2025 . Certificates cannot be issued after the survey has closed
Joining us in the College:
Photography: A professional photographer may be in attendance at this event. Photographs may be used by the College in digital and printed publicity material. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let a member of staff know at the registration desk.
Access: A wheelchair lift, and internal lift are in place at the College, allowing access to the conference centre and historic rooms. However, as a listed building, there are some meeting rooms that have restricted access. For further information and assistance, please contact the event coordinator responsible for the event
Prayer room: We provide a prayer room at all our hybrid/In-person events, and a member of staff will be able to direct you to this space on the day of the event.
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Event information
Courses
Wed 24 - Thu 25 Sep
| 2 Day Event
Wed 08:30 - Thu 16:30
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Are you a Fellow or a Member? Sign in to get member prices
Sign in to get member prices