Queen’s University Belfast
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Claire’s Award for Children’s Nursing
The School of Nursing and Midwifery invites applications from paediatric nurses for Claire’s
Award for Children’s Nursing.
This award is a one-off pledged gift for a paediatric nurse to conduct a small research project,
preferably within the area of paediatric intensive care, to aid both the individual recipient’s
career development and the development of paediatric nursing research.
The value of the award is £10,000 to enable paediatric nurses to develop their knowledge of
research and how it can improve practice. The award can support a descriptive or pilot
intervention study that is innovative and has demonstrable application to every nursing practice.
The award can also be used to support the successful candidate to obtain a Master of
Philosophy (MPhil) by research, where appropriate.
The award is important in terms of the quality of care and a culture of research-embedded
practice to develop the paediatric nursing profession and will help to bring about that change for
the successful awardee, who can develop expertise and act as a role model to others.
Guidelines for the award are attached.
The successful awardee is required to complete the proposed study within one year of receiving
the award. The study can be completed on a fulltime or a part-time basis. Supervision will be
undertaken by a research active member of Queen’s School of Nursing and Midwifery academic
staff, who will act as mentors and senior researchers on the study to ensure completion.
Dissemination of the study will involve research presentations at local, national and international
level and the publication of scientific reports and research publications in recognised
international journals.
Applications should be submitted electronically to Mrs Lyn Crawford: c.a.crawford@qub.ac.uk
A hard copy with original signature should also be sent to Mrs Lyn Crawford, School of Nursing
& Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9
7BL.
Applications should be lodged by 4pm on Monday 4 April 2011.
Eligibility
Applicants will be expected to have a degree in nursing and be a registered nurse working in the
field of paediatric nursing. The School of Nursing and Midwifery would encourage applications from
early career nurses.
Applicants will be expected to contact the School of Nursing and Midwifery to ensure early
identification of a supervisor to support them in developing the study protocol for application.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be ranked against the following criteria:

The suitability of the applicant. There should be a clear indication of the benefit to the
applicant.

A high quality, innovative paediatric nursing study, preferably within the area of
paediatric intensive care. The award can support a descriptive or pilot intervention study
that is innovative and has demonstrable application to every nursing practice.

Application submitted in collaboration with active research staff from Queen’s School of
Nursing and Midwifery.

A realistic budget up to £10,000 should be clearly identified. All budget items must be
justified. Travel and subsistence expenses may be included in the budget. Funding will
not normally be provided for generic software, IT hardware, or tutor training.

A clear and realistic timeframe for the study should be identified.
The selection panel set up by the School of Nursing and Midwifery reserves the right not to
make an award, if a recommendation on the suitability of a candidate and the proposed study
cannot be put forward.
Format of Application
See application form.
Timescales
Closing date for applications: 4pm on Monday 4 April 2011
Shortlisting:
by 11 April 2011
Selection interviews:
week commencing 18 April 2011
Award announced:
by beginning of May 2011