Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Community of Scholars?

The Community of Scholars is a pilot project, funded by Health and Care Research Wales and delivered in partnership with NWORTH and BCUCB which aims to develop and support applied health research across North Wales.

What are the eligibility criteria to join the Community of Scholars?

The Community of Scholars is aimed at applied health researchers and health and social care practitioners across North Wales.

How do I sign up?

Use any of the ‘sign up’ buttons on the homepage or sidebar. Please be aware you can only sign up with a nhs.uk or ac.uk email address.

How do I start networking?

After you sign up go to your ‘Account Details’ and fill out your profile. On the sidebar click ‘Cos Network’ and you will find a map and list of other members who have joined the network. Once you have decided who you would like to collaborate with, view their profile and send them an email.

Can I get support if I am undertaking a PhD?

No. If you are undertaking a PhD your research support should be coming from your host institution/University. However, if you are planning to conduct health research in parallel and separate from your PhD study, or aiming to build on/develop your PhD research in the future with additional research, then CoS may be of use.

Is this pilot being evaluated?

Yes. We will ask you to fill out a questionnaire on the website, which is used to evaluate your research confidence when you join the website and after 6 months. We will also monitor the usage of the website.

How can I link up with a clinician to work with on a piece of research?

On the ‘CoS Network’ page you will be able to see all members in the network below the Google map. You will have the option to filter members according to Clinical Interest, Research Skills, or Affiliation. Once you have decided who you would like to collaborate with, view their profile and send them an email.

What level of research experience do I need to have to be able to join?

Any level of research experience, from newbie to seasoned professional, is welcome to join the Community of Scholars.

Will you be adding more content/podcast?

The website will be updated on a regular basis and we encourage all members to contact us via cos.facilitator@bangor.ac.uk with any comments or suggestions for further content for the website.

Can we contact someone to make suggestions for further content that we would find useful?

If you have any suggestions or comments for further content please contact us at cos.facilitator@bangor.ac.uk

My clinical interest is not represented, how can this be amended?

Please contact us at cos.facilitator@bangor.ac.uk with your clinical interest and we will add it to the website.

Do I have to be employed by BCUHB or a university?

You have to have an nhs.uk email address or a ac.uk email address and be based in or working in North Wales.

Is the European Research Council still funding for research with the UK?

The Withdrawal Agreement foresees that the UK will continue to participate in the current 2014-2020 EU programmes, including ERC Grants, as if the UK was an EU Member State until the closure of the programmes. This means that UK beneficiaries can continue to take part in grants awarded under the current Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) until their end date, even if it is after 2020.

Are you only interested in trials that attract a funding application, how about smaller studies and support for those?

The website is here to support research in all ranges of methods, from small to big studies, and independent of funding application.

Do you provide a statistical support service?

We have statistical information on the Research Resource page in the format of fact sheets and podcasts. We do not provide in person statistical support.

I have a research idea, how can I take this forward?

There are different options available to you:

• You could get in touch with another CoS member who has similar research interests and you would like to collaborate with by accessing their email through the CoS Network page;
• You could explore the Research Resources page to help you establish the next steps;
• You can also get in touch with the Research Design and Conduct Service (RDCS) via

  rdcs@bangor.ac.uk , who will be able to provide with guidance on next steps.