Now open for applications, the bursary honours the legacy of Professor Sir Peter Tizard, a pioneering figure in British neonatology and child health research. It is designed to inspire and support the next generation of paediatric researchers to take their first steps into rare disease research — particularly those who may not yet consider themselves “research active” but are driven by curiosity and a desire to improve outcomes for children with rare and complex conditions.
The bursary offers a fully funded study slot on the BPSU system, allowing the successful applicant to run a UK- and Ireland-wide surveillance study of a rare disease or condition affecting children and young people. Alongside this, it provides a training stipend, which can be used for research course costs or development opportunities. The successful applicant will be supported by the BPSU team throughout the process, including guidance on study development, ethic approvals, data management, and dissemination.
Studies led through the BPSU have historically made significant contributions to clinical practice and policy — from improved screening protocols and diagnostic pathways, to informing national immunisation programmes and service planning for rare diseases. For many, the BPSU offers a launchpad into academic paediatrics and public health research, and the Sir Peter Tizard Bursary lowers the barrier to entry for those with a great idea but limited resources or experience.
We hope this opportunity will appeal to trainees and newly appointed consultants who are eager to make a difference, and who want to gain experience in leading a project of real-world impact.
Applications are open until Monday 20 October 2025.
To find out more — including how to apply, eligibility criteria, and resources to support your application — please visit the Sir Peter Tizard Bursary page. For any questions, contact the BPSU team at bpsu@rcpch.ac.uk.
We look forward to supporting the next generation of child health researchers as they develop meaningful, practice-changing studies through this important scheme.