Research Academy

Students want to do SEM research. A lot struggle to find a way in.

Keen to learn research skills, but don’t know a supervisor or how to get involved, and need help with the steps of a research project.

The Research Academy links it all together, with USEMS providing mentorship, resources and support.

Have ideas and questions worth answering, but no spare hours to find students, teach them and keep a team moving.

Challenge: Little SEM exposure
SEM is barely on the medical school curriculum, so it’s hard to know what research in the field looks like.
The Academy’s answer: Proper SEM projects
Work on an SEM project with a supervisor who has a special interest in it, and get a first taste of academic SEM.
Challenge: Few research skills
Medical school rarely teaches how to run a project, such as a systematic review, from start to finish.
The Academy’s answer: Guides for each step
Practical guides that take you from your first idea and search strategy through every stage of the project.
Challenge: Time is tight
A medical degree leaves little to spare, so research has to fit around placements and exams.
The Academy’s answer: A team around you
Every project has several students, a USEMS project mentor and a senior supervisor, so the work is shared.
Challenge: Building a network
Getting involved often comes down to who you know, and that’s harder if you can’t afford conferences or an MSc.
The Academy’s answer: Warm introductions
Fewer cold LinkedIn messages. We introduce you to clinicians working in SEM, and to other students.

Step 1
Register interest
Make a free account, register your interest, and apply when applications open.
Step 2
Learn the basics
Work through the Academy’s guides to get up to speed before your project starts.
Step 3
Join a project team
Be placed on a team and a project that fits your interests and the hours you can give.
Step 4
Do the research
Work through each stage with your supervisor and team, with a short weekly call and clear tasks.
Step 5
Present and publish
Aim for an abstract or paper you can use on your specialty applications.

Applications aren’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll let you know when they are.

Create a free USEMS account and we’ll email you when the Research Academy opens.

Already have an account? Log in

If you’re a doctor already working in SEM and think you could offer your time and experience to guide a student team, we’d love to hear from you.