THRSP Prospectus

Context of the scholarships

Recent years have seen advances in the scientific understanding of products used for tobacco harm reduction (THR), including:

  • laboratory-based and clinical studies of their effects and safety
  • behavioural studies of how and why they are used in different populations and contexts
  • epidemiological studies into patterns of use
  • the relationship between the use of these products and changes in tobacco smoking.

There is an increasing understanding of the range of appropriate and effective evidence-based regulation and standards for THR products, and of THR strategies and policies. However, scientific capacity for research on THR and related products is not evenly distributed across the globe and there is considerable variation in the use of evidence to establish effective and appropriate public health policies.

Despite there being strong evidence for the effectiveness of a THR approach, public understanding of the evidence base and its implications for both policy and personal health choices is limited. This is often not helped by sensationalist and inaccurate reporting in the media.

The scholarship programme aims to redress this imbalance, we expect proposals to be modest in the first year and achievable. They will be assessed for their potential significance in advancing the field of THR.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applications from any potential scholars with an interest in THR. This includes:

  • people intending to enter into the field of research into THR and/or public health
  • postgraduate students
  • researchers and scientists
  • medical professionals
  • consumers
  • writers
  • internet and social media professionals
  • film makers and other audio-visual professionals.

Scholars can expect considerable input at the start of the process. This includes:

  • assistance in honing your proposal post-submission
  • travel to and from Warsaw to attend the Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN)
  • An online course in the theory and practice of THR
  • accommodation for the whole period of GFN, including additional days for scholars
  • a stipend of $12,000 to undertake the project
  • per diems for the duration of GFN
  • enrolment onto the Mentoring scheme, with a named expert mentor
  • ongoing support from the Scholarship Programme Manager
  • assistance with problem solving – both practical and academic
  • the opportunity to return to Warsaw in 2024 to share your findings, either as a poster display, as a speaker, or as an enhanced scholar.

Important dates for your diary:

  • Application deadline – 30th November 2022
  • Assessment of proposals – December 2022 to February 2023
  • Notification of outcomes to applicants – February 2023
  • GFN Warsaw (some dates during the conference may be subject to change but the main dates of the conference are fixed):
  • Travel to Warsaw – arrive 20th June 2023
  • Scholars’ induction day – 21st June 2023
  • Conference side events and Michael Russell Memorial Lecture – 22nd June 2023
  • GFN conference – 21st to 24th June 2023
  • Meeting with Mentors – 21st June 2023
  • Post Conference debriefing – 25th June 2023
  • Interim project report to be supplied by scholars – End of November 2023
  • Final project report plus submission of associated work – End of April 2024
  • Potential attendance at GFN 2024 – June 2024
  • All live events may be substituted by virtual events if circumstances dictate

Induction programme

The induction programme is held in Warsaw, on the day before GFN 2023 (21st June 2023).

You will hear from experts in the field on topics including:

  • the history of harm reduction and how it pertains to tobacco and nicotine
  • quality standards and legislation
  • how to critique research
  • the consumer perspective
  • the experiences of participants in previous scholarship programmes.

Availability & reporting

  • all scholars must be available in Warsaw between 20th and 25th June 2023
  • all scholars will be required to provide a progress report after 6 months and a project summary at 11 months
  • some scholars may be invited back to GFN 2024 or similar event to share learning and experience

Application and assessment

A selection panel will assess applications and advise on support requirements for each project.

We will prioritise potential scholars from low, and middle-income countries, and those countries where national developments have the potential to impact regional and global debates and developments.

An online application pack is now open. Should you wish to add supporting information, please submit these, or provide links to them in the relevant section of the online application form.

Enhanced Scholarships

K•A•C also runs an enhanced scholarship programme. Enhanced scholarships can be applied for by anyone who has successfully completed all elements of the basic scholarship programme in any preceding years. Six enhanced scholarships are available each year. The enhanced programme is intended to encourage more in-depth projects than the entry level programme, and also aims to facilitate the personal development of participants. Up to half of the enhanced scholar stipend can be used for a scholar’s personal development.

Details of how to apply for an enhanced scholarship are given after enrolment on the first-level scholarship programme.

Advanced scholars can expect to receive:

  • assistance in honing their proposals
  • travel to and from Warsaw to attend the Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN)
  • accommodation for the whole period of GFN, including additional days for scholars
  • per diems for the duration of GFN
  • a stipend of up to $25,000 to undertake the project and for personal development
  • continuation of the mentoring scheme, with an expert mentor
  • ongoing support from the Scholarship Programme Manager
  • help and guidance on appropriate avenues for personal development
  • assistance with problem solving – both practical and academic.
Read submission instructions