ECAT allows real immersion in a scientific institute
With applications invited for the August 2026 ECAT-i (Edinburgh Clinical Academic Track – inclusive) intake, Antonia Churchhouse talks about her experience of taking part in the programme.
Antonia applied to the University of Edinburgh’s ECAT programme in her first year as a Gastroenterology Registrar.
I was really keen to do a lab-based PhD, learning core techniques that I could use in research in the future. I started in 2018 and finished in 2022 as I returned to the NHS during the Covid pandemic.
Antonia, who is now an ECAT Clinical Lecturer in Gastroenterology, was based in Dr Kevin Myant’s lab at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer for her PhD.
I was looking at the role of a gene called Dock2 in IBD-associated colorectal cancer using mouse and organoid modelling, as well as human samples.
ECAT allows real immersion in a scientific institute, doing a project that you have helped create – a real privilege.
The deadline for applications is 23 February 2026, with interviews on 29 April.
- ECAT-i Clinical Lectureships (apply here if you are a GMC-recognised medical or surgical specialist in training, or primary care practitioner)
- ECAT-i Clinical PhD Fellowships for Health and Care Professionals (apply here if you are a nurse, midwife, allied health professional, healthcare scientist, pharmacy staff or psychologist)
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