The objective of the Clinician Scientist Fellowship Programme, funded by the HEA under PRTLI Cycle 4, is to train the next generation of clinician scientists with the unique and specialised knowledge essential to fulfil Ireland's research needs in translational medicine. This training programme transcends institutional boundaries to give fellows unparalleled access to the top biomedical researchers in the country and to state-of-the-art basic and clinical research facilities. The aim is to educate biomedical investigators who will lead the quest for new therapeutic strategies. The CSFP provides a systematic means to train this essential group through a structured PhD programme for medical graduates of three years in duration.
MMI issued the first call in November 2007, attracting 75 expressions of interest, and put in place a rigorous review and selection process in which 40 candidates submitted full applications supported by mentoring teams in the host institutions. Following interview, 19 candidates were awarded MMI Clinician Scientist Fellowships. The Clinician Scientist Fellowship programme was launched by Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Education and Science, at the official launch of Molecular Medicine Ireland at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland on 17 April 2008.
This first group of Fellows began the programme in July 2008. The additional MMI fellowships (three hosted by University College Cork) were awarded following interview of eight candidates by the selection panel in November 2008. The CSFP research is in disease areas including various cancers, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and diabetes.

The Fellows come together for part of their training, developing their experiences beyond any single laboratory or institution. This national element to the CSFP, coordinated by MMI, comprises a structured taught course curriculum, delivered by experts in biomedical research and also provides important ancillary professional skills. These courses are complemented by annual meetings of Fellows and their supervisors that enable review of progress and networking. An Education Committee includes representatives from each institution.

The MMI Clinician Scientist Fellows participated in 77 hours of lecture-based and practical learning in Dublin in July and September 2008, in addition to their laboratory research in five host institutions. The CSFP Structured Training covered research and laboratory methods, writing and communication skills, translating research into the clinical setting, integrity in scientific research, disease mechanisms at the molecular level, animal models of disease, hands-on bioinformatics, information retrieval, project management, and experience of various core technology facilities, plus a module in which the Fellows prepared and delivered presentations on the biology underlying various diseases. Keynote lectures from leading clinician scientists provided a variety of experience in translational research.

Further structured training and annual meetings will take place in NUI Galway in 2009 and in UCC in 2010.
For further information please see www.molecularmedicineireland.ie/csfp