The David Thompson Fellowship 2026 offers an annual award of up to £35,000 to support advanced urological training, research, education and knowledge exchange at centres of excellence.
Offered by The Urology Foundation, the fellowship is aimed at eligible urology trainees and early-career consultants living and working in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland. Successful applicants can undertake further study, clinical training or research abroad for up to one year.
The fellowship is designed to help develop outstanding surgical leaders while encouraging fellows to share their experience and knowledge with colleagues and the wider urology community.
David Thompson Fellowship – Official Application Information
David Thompson Fellowship 2026 Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | David Thompson Fellowship |
| Organisation | The Urology Foundation |
| Award | Up to £35,000 |
| Field | Urology, surgical training and research |
| Study location | One or two centres of excellence abroad |
| Funding period | Up to one year |
| Eligible applicants | Urology trainees and early-career consultants |
| Eligible location | UK or Republic of Ireland |
| Application deadline | 30 September at 23:59 |
| Salary included? | No |
| Application email | grants@theurologyfoundation.org |
About the David Thompson Fellowship
The David Thompson Fellowship aims to strengthen urological training, education, knowledge transfer and collaboration.
The programme provides successful candidates with an opportunity to spend time at a centre or centres of excellence and gain valuable experience in urology care and best practices.
Fellows can use the opportunity to develop specialist clinical skills, pursue research in their area of interest and establish professional collaborations.
The programme also has an important knowledge-sharing component. Successful fellows are expected to act as ambassadors by sharing best practices and knowledge with their own teams, hospitals and the broader urology community.
Fellowship Funding
Successful applicants can receive an annual fellowship award of up to £35,000.
The funding is intended to help cover eligible costs associated with the fellowship, including:
- International travel
- Relocation expenses
- Living costs
- Further clinical training
- Research activities
- Study at centres of excellence
- Research-related expenses
- Publication costs
The fellowship does not provide a salary.
Applicants should therefore provide a detailed breakdown of the expected costs of their proposed period abroad and explain why the requested funding is necessary.
What Can the Fellowship Support?
The David Thompson Fellowship can support applicants undertaking further study, research or clinical training relevant to their current professional interests.
Applicants may propose to spend time at one or two centres of excellence abroad for a period of up to one year.
The proposed fellowship must be due to start within 12 months of receiving the award and must be completed within a maximum timeframe of 24 months.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to trainees and early-career consultants who are living and working in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
Applicants must meet one of the specified professional categories.
Specialist Urology Registrars
Specialist Urology Registrars are eligible if they are at an advanced stage of urological training at the time of application.
The Foundation gives ST4 and above as an example of the required level.
Academic Clinical Fellows
Academic Clinical Fellows can apply if they are at an advanced stage of urological training.
Recently Completed Surgical Training
Applicants who completed their surgical training within five years of the application date may also be eligible.
All applicants must demonstrate their intention to return to work in the UK or Republic of Ireland after the fellowship.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to provide information about their professional interests, proposed fellowship and financial requirements.
The application form requires:
1. Current Clinical and Research Interests
Applicants should provide a statement explaining their current clinical and research interests and their longer-term career objectives.
2. Detailed Fellowship Proposal
Applicants must explain how they intend to spend their time abroad, including the proposed centre or centres where they plan to undertake their fellowship.
3. Detailed Cost Analysis
Applicants must provide a detailed analysis of the expected costs of the period abroad and explain the need for financial support.
4. Referees
Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees.
5. Study Leave Confirmation
Applicants must confirm that their employing authority will provide study leave if their application is successful.
Documents Required
Applicants should submit the completed application together with:
- Curriculum vitae
- Supporting statement or statements from the proposed host centre or centres
- Confirmation from the employing authority that study leave will be granted if the application is successful
The official application form is available from The Urology Foundation.
Download the David Thompson Fellowship Application Form
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should complete the official application form and prepare all required supporting documents.
Applications should be sent by email to:
grants@theurologyfoundation.org
Applicants should make sure that all required declarations, approvals and supporting documents are completed before submitting their application.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the David Thompson Fellowship is:
30 September at 23:59
Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline to ensure they are considered.
Selection Process
Applications will first be checked to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligible applications are then subject to peer review by The Urology Foundation’s Scientific & Education Committee (SEC) and external reviewers.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. The Foundation states that interviews are expected to take place around late October or early November, with the specific date to be advised.
Applicants will be notified of the final funding decision by email, and feedback will be provided.
What Happens After Funding?
Successful fellows must comply with The Urology Foundation’s standard grant terms and conditions.
At the end of the fellowship, successful applicants are expected to provide a full report on completion of their fellowship.
They must also acknowledge The Urology Foundation’s support in publications resulting from their fellowship and provide copies of relevant papers to the Foundation when published.
Awardees may additionally be asked to present a report about their fellowship at an appropriate BAUS educational meeting.
Why Apply for the David Thompson Fellowship?
The fellowship offers eligible urology professionals an opportunity to gain international experience while developing their clinical, research and leadership capabilities.
The combination of financial support, access to centres of excellence, research opportunities and knowledge exchange can help successful fellows strengthen their professional development and contribute to improvements in urological care.
The programme is particularly relevant for applicants who have a clearly defined clinical or research interest and a strong plan for applying the experience gained abroad after returning to the UK or Republic of Ireland.
Important Note for Applicants
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements before applying. The fellowship is not a general international scholarship and is specifically targeted at eligible urology professionals living and working in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
The award also does not cover salary, so applicants should carefully calculate their expected costs and explain their funding requirements in the application.
Final Thoughts
The David Thompson Fellowship 2026 represents a major professional development opportunity for eligible urology trainees, Academic Clinical Fellows and early-career surgical professionals.
With funding of up to £35,000, the fellowship can support international clinical training, research, further study, living expenses, travel and related costs.
Eligible applicants should prepare a strong proposal demonstrating how the fellowship will advance their clinical or research career and how the knowledge gained will benefit their colleagues and the wider urology community.
Application deadline: 30 September at 23:59.
Apply for the David Thompson Fellowship
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