David Thompson Fellowship
The David Thompson Fellowship aims to enhance urological training, education, knowledge transfer and collaboration, thereby developing and supporting outstanding surgical leaders in their field.
About the Fellowship
The Fellowship will support attending a centre or centres of excellence for up to one year to enable candidates to gain invaluable experience and skills in urology care and best practice, and to make contributions to research in their area of specialty. Successful candidates will act as Ambassadors promoting best practice and sharing knowledge amongst their own team, hospital and wider urology community.
PLEASE NOTE that application for 2026 have now closed. Application will open again in Autumn 2027.
Criteria & Eligibility
An annual fellowship of up to £35,000 is open to trainees or early years consultants living and working in the UK or Republic of Ireland (ROI) who meet the following requirements:
- Specialist Urology Registrars, who, at the date of application, are at an advanced stage of urological training (eg ST4 and above)
- Academic Clinical Fellows, who are at an advanced stage of urological training
- Completed surgical training within five years from the date of application
Fellows must demonstrate their intention to return to work in the UK or ROI.
Use of the Award
The award is intended to cover expenses for travel abroad, to one or two centres, for a period of up to one year, in pursuit of further study, research or clinical training relevant to the applicant’s current interests. To include relocation/living costs and contribution towards research and publication costs. Salary is not included.
Applications must be for Fellowships which are due to start within 12 months from receipt of the award and which are expected to be completed within a maximum 24 month timeframe.
Application guidelines
CLICK HERE to download the application form which requires the following information:
- Statement of current clinical and research interests, including career objectives
- Detailed proposal as to how the time abroad will be spent, and where
- Detailed analysis of likely costs of period abroad, and statement of need for funding
- Names and contact details of two referees
- Confirmation that the applicant’s employing authority will grant study leave if the application is successful
To apply, send a completed application form to grants@theurologyfoundation.org along with the following:
- Curriculum vitae
- Supporting statement(s) from the proposed host centre(s)
- Confirmation that your employing authority will grant study leave if successful
Application process
Submission deadline
Candidates must submit their proposals and ensure that all declarations and approvals have been completed by the relevant parties. The deadline for applications has now CLOSED for 2026.
Applications will first be checked for eligibility, after which they will be subject to peer review by The Urology Foundation’s Scientific & Education Committee (SEC) and external parties. NB: Shortlisted candidates in 2026 will be invited to interview. Interviews will be held on the morning of 29th October, so please ensure you have this time available if applying.
Funding decision
Funding decisions are made in time to allow the successful candidate to make their preparations. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by email and feedback will be provided.
All awards will be made in accordance with The Urology Foundation’s standard grant terms and conditions.
Reporting process
At the end of the Fellowship, the successful candidate will be expected to:
- Provide a full report on completion of their Fellowship
- Acknowledge the support of The Urology Foundation in any publication arising as a result of the Fellowship
- Supply The Urology Foundation with copies of the above papers at the time of publication
Awardees may also be expected to present a report of the Fellowship at an appropriate BAUS educational meeting.