Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF)
Contributed notes and published NIHR ACF interview guidance describe an interview of at least 30 minutes in which every candidate reviews the same short dataset or publication in advance, explains it to a scientific and then a lay audience, and answers questions on academic achievements, research experience, interest in the post's research theme, wider reading and balancing clinical and academic work. Clinical benchmarking is usually assessed separately. Formats vary between programmes and rounds, so confirm the format published for your own post.
Format based on published 2026 recruitment guidance. Last checked: October 2026. This is general information, not advice about your application — always confirm details with the official source for your round.
Structure
The stations, reproduced with real timings.
The simulator keeps to these durations and moves you on when the clock runs out.
Data interpretation
Summarise the paper or dataset concisely for a scientific audience — question, design, results, strengths and limitations — then explain it in plain English for a lay audience.
Academic achievements and research
Your demonstrable academic output and personal contribution, practical research experience including patient and public involvement, and ideas linked to the post's research theme.
Clinical–academic career
Wider reading across academic medicine, research ethics and governance, and how you would protect academic time alongside clinical training.
Weighting
Where the marks sit.
Practice is weighted the same way, so your time goes where it counts.
What candidates work on here
- A repeatable structure for appraising a paper: research question, design, methods, results, strengths, limitations and relevance to practice
- Plain English explanations of common study concepts such as randomisation, blinding, power and confounding
- Your academic record rehearsed with your personal contribution to each output
- The research themes and local expertise linked to the post you are applying for
Example questions
Original scenarios, written with clinicians.
Each question is mapped to the domains it assesses, so the summary you receive is specific rather than generic.
Data interpretation
“Please explain the data you have been shown, then summarise it briefly for a lay audience.”
A panel would listen for
Structure, specificity and reflection
Academic record
“Please summarise your academic achievements to date and your personal contribution to each.”
A panel would listen for
Structure, specificity and reflection
Practise this interview until it feels routine.
One free mock interview, no card required. Scores describe your practice performance only.
Start a free mock interview