NIHR Doctoral Training Camp - Ifraax Abdi Osman

Lecturer in Medical Imaging

The NIHR Academy runs an annual summer event for PhD students based within NIHR Infrastructure, Schools and Incubators. The Training Camp is a three-day intensive residential event to support career progression and competitiveness in putting together a funding application. 

Attending the NIHR Doctoral Research Training Camp was an enlightening and transformative experience. One of the most significant takeaways from the camp was the detailed guidance on what a funding panel looks for in an application. The sessions offered a deep dive into the criteria and expectations, demystifying the process. This knowledge is crucial for any researcher seeking funding, as it helps bridge the gap between having a good idea and presenting it compellingly.

The camp's format, which included writing a full NIHR funding application in less than 36 hours, was particularly exhilarating. This intense exercise demonstrated that what might seem impossible at first is achievable with the right mindset and collaborative effort. The tight deadline ensured a focus on essentials, honing writing skills, and delivering a coherent and persuasive application. The opportunity to work in a team with people I had never met before was both challenging and rewarding. It fostered teamwork, enhanced communication skills, and pushed everyone to deliver their best under pressure. 

Interestingly, I discovered that I knew more than I had anticipated. This realisation was empowering, as it demonstrated that my knowledge and skills were valuable and that I could contribute meaningfully to the team's success. It was a potent reminder of the importance of self-confidence in research and academia.

Moreover, learning about the different career pathways that various researchers had taken was incredibly inspiring. Hearing first-hand accounts of how seasoned researchers got involved in their fields and the journeys they undertook provided a roadmap for navigating my own career. It underscored the fact that there is no single path to success in research; rather, there are many routes, each with its own set of challenges and rewards.

My experience at the NIHR Doctoral Research Training Camp was overwhelmingly positive. The camp significantly enhanced my research skills, particularly in writing and presenting funding applications. I now have a clearer understanding of what I can achieve under pressure, which has boosted my confidence as a researcher.

Winning an award with my team was the cherry on top. It validated our hard work and reaffirmed my belief in my capabilities. The award was not just a personal victory but a testament to the power of teamwork and effective communication. It was a powerful motivator that will undoubtedly drive me in my future research endeavours. I highly recommend attending this camp to anyone looking to advance their research career and make meaningful contributions to their field.