ACCELERATE is open for applicants

This is an exciting opportunity for researchers to take part in a 7-week training programme to develop a proposal to solve a real-life translational research challenge of their choosing as part of an interdisciplinary team. Team Challenge will give participants the chance to learn and develop skills in teamwork, leadership and communication that will be essential for a future career in leadership roles and healthcare research. Participants can be from across UCL, and the three UCL Biomedical Research Centres from any research discipline and background from first-year post-doctoral fellows upwards. Applicants apply as individuals and will be placed into inter-disciplinary teams around shared interests. The teams will then work to develop an innovative idea/proposal using the unique combination of skills and experiences of their team members to solve a healthcare challenge of their choosing.  

At the end of the programme, there is an opportunity to bid for up to £10,000 or non-financial support to take your team’s proposal forward. On the pilot programme, 2 out of 3 teams secured funding to continue their work.

Through the ACCELERATE Innovation Team Challenge you will:

• Grow your network  
• Build the foundation for future interdisciplinary collaborations  
• Receive high-quality training from expert facilitators  
• Gain access to leading thinkers in the field  
• Gain the potential for funding/ mentoring support on completion of the programme to take your team’s proposal forward.  

During the programme the cohort will follow four stages comprising (1) ideation, (2) influence, (3) iteration, and (4) implementation within their teams in order to learn: 

• Effective team working strategies 
• Negotiation and engagement skills within a team and with external stakeholders  
• Solution creation and risk mitigation  
• Pitching skills and strategic planning for the future.  

When and where: The programme will run online from 25th October to 13th December 2021. It consists of a blend of whole cohort sessions, independent teamwork sessions, and team coaching sessions with the programme facilitators. The whole cohort sessions are fixed for the following dates and times and applicants will be expected to make all the above sessions. 

Find out more

Apply: To apply for this sought after programme, complete the application form by 3 October 2021 (23:59 BST). There are limited spots available and shortlisted applicants will be notified by 7 October 2021. 

For any questions about the Team Challenge, please contact the ACCELERATE Manager, Kim Gurwitz k.gurwitz@ucl.ac.uk