Ethicon Foundation Fund travel grants
Closed: Re-opens Autumn 2025
Ethicon Foundation Fund travel awards for overseas visits are awarded to fellows and members who are in good standing with the College.
Successful applicants will normally be in training grade appointments, but more senior applicants may be considered at the discretion of the committee. Successful applicants will be awarded a grant, the value of which is at the discretion of the Ethicon Foundation Fund Advisory Committee.
The grants are intended to support those who wish to enhance a specialty skill or experience that is not routinely available in the applicant's own country. Travel for the sole purpose of attending a scientific meeting will not be supported.
Applicants must demonstrate that the period overseas is an opportunity to enhance a specialty skill or obtain surgical experience that is not normally available in their home country. They must have obtained prior approval for the visit from the appropriate training authority in the country of application where appropriate. UK trainees must produce confirmation/evidence of prospective approval from the GMC if the post is to count towards the award of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). If a salary is offered during any part of the duration of the fellowship, the candidate must make this clear in the financial summary section of the application form.
Value of the award
The awards are for travel costs only, economy class travel, up to a value of £1,000 and are not available to support the travel costs of a spouse or partner. The overseas visit from the successful applicant's home country/place of work will normally be for a period of between 3 to 12 months, although visits of up to 24 months may be considered. All applications must be made prior to embarking on the visit.
For consultants attending a short-term visit within Europe, please look at the Ethicon short-term clinical visit award.
As a condition of the award, successful applicants are required to submit a report of their visit within two months of return. Applicants who do not submit a report may have the award withdrawn.
Applicants must inform the College of any change in their circumstances which will prevent them from completing their overseas visit and about any applications for funding from other sources.
For full eligibility criteria please see Terms and Conditions
Application
The application consists of:
- An application form (via application portal).
- A letter of support from the head of the department, or consultant, under whom the applicant is currently working (document uploaded to portal).
- A letter of support from another, independent referee (document uploaded to portal).
- Confirmation from the Institute you are visiting (document uploaded to portal).
For queries relating to this please email research@rcseng.ac.uk