As a means of stimulating pharmacists interest in research and development, the FIP Foundation in collaboration with Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) has established a research grant of €5,000 on Monday, 25 September, 2023.
The inauguration of the grant, made at the ongoing 81st World Congress of Pharmacists, in Brisbane, Australia, was part of activities to mark the World Pharmacists Day, commemorated every 25 September.
According to the two institutions, the grant is to allow non-US based investigators and pharmacists seek financial support for research projects related to BPS Board Certification.
Jennifer Marriott, FIP Foundation liason expressed her delight in the offer, which will enhance research into advanced areas of Pharmacy that needs improvement for best patients outcomes.
“I am very excited about the collaboration between the FIP Foundation and BPS and the opportunity it provides to foster research into the impact of advanced practice of pharmacists on patients, healthcare systems and employment. I am honoured to be the Foundation liaison to develop this unique relationship,” she said .
She noted that BPS and the FIP Foundation will convene a committee to promote the grant opportunity, facilitate the application process, jointly select a grant awardee, and recognise the awardee during the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and through electronic FIP and BPS publications. The final research report will be suitable for publication in the International Pharmacy Journal.
To be eligible, she said research projects must be focused on the impact of pharmacist board certification on specialisation and advanced practice through the following research aims: Patients outcome as regards adherence, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and health literacy; Issues in healthcare systems such as medication safety, cost avoidance, drug-related problems, admissions/readmissions, emergency department visits, institutional credentialing and privileging; Interprofessional collaboration, pharmacists employment and professional development.
BPS launched its research initiative in 2019, annually offering two, $5000 USD Seed Grants to postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) Pharmacy residents interested in conducting a research project on the value and impact of pharmacist board certification.
Earlier this year, it announced the expansion of Research Seed Grant eligibility to any pharmacist or investigator. Additionally, BPS announced expanded research aims of the program. Collaboration with the FIP Foundation will allow BPS to further expand grant opportunities and support international research on board certification.
The FIP Foundation exists to “promote educational and research ventures of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists and expand the role of the pharmacist in charitable projects towards better global health.”
The FIP Foundation currently supports research activities through grants and partnerships, such as the Innovation Research Grant in collaboration with the FIP Early Career Pharmaceutical Group (ECPG), which launched in 2002.
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