Overview

 The SET Program training requirements are as follows: 

• Research Project Requirement: Satisfactorily complete an approved supervised research project (Intermediate Neurosurgical Training)
• Research Presentation Requirement: Satisfactorily complete an approved research presentation (Intermediate Neurosurgical Training) 
• Research Publication Requirement: Have a publication from the supervised research project in an approved journal (Advanced Neurosurgical Training) 

Trainees who have satisfactorily completed a research project relevant to neurosurgery resulting in a presentation and publication which satisfies the research requirements as determined by the NSA Research Committee in their discretion may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the three requirements combined. 

Applications for recognition of prior learning can only be made after the trainee has been selected for commencement on the SET Program. Guidelines are provided below to inform trainees of the standard applied to the assessment of recognition of prior learning (RPL) for their SET research requirements, along with the application form. 

Application form RPL for Research Requirements 

Guidelines for RPL for Research Requirements 

Supervised Research Project

The Research Project Requirement must be completed during Basic and/or Intermediate Neurosurgical Training. It is the responsibility of the trainee to make all applicable arrangements for their supervised research project and to obtain the prior approval of the Research Committee who have the delegated authority of the Training Board to assess this training requirement applying their discretion in accordance with the Regulations.  

The research project must:

• be achievable during Intermediate Neurosurgical Training; 
• be supervised by an appropriately qualified consultant or researcher; 
• be a substantive project relevant to neurosurgery with the potential for a meaningful outcome; 
• be likely to result in a publication which satisfies the requirements in clause 5.4; and  
• the role of the trainee in the project must be significant.

For approval of the research project trainees will be required to submit a written research proposal, on the prescribed form, during Basic Neurosurgical Training or their first year of Intermediate Neurosurgical Training.  Trainees will be required to present the proposal orally to theResearch Committee if requested. Due dates for proposals will be as advised by the Training Board. 

Trainees will be required to provide oral progress reports to the Research Committee, if requested, at any time during the research project.   

For approval of successful completion of the research project trainees will be required to submit a written research completion report, on the prescribed form, together with a copy of the manuscript which must have been submitted for publication (it is not a requirement that it be accepted at that time). Trainees will be required to present the completion report orally to the Research Committee if requested. Due dates for completion reports will be as advised by the Training Board. Trainees must obtain approval of the research proposal and research completion report from their research supervisor, prior to submission to the Research Committee. Research supervisors may be contacted to verify their prior approval and to provide additional information at the discretion of the Research Committee.

During oral presentations, the Research Committee will ask questions to assist them in determining the approval or rejection of the research proposal or research completion report and to assist trainees in their progression with their research project. Trainees must undertake the research project approved by the Research Committee. Any modifications, including changes in supervisors, institutions, or the research project must be approved by the Research Committee by way of a revised research proposal using the prescribed form. 

Full details can be found in the Regulations. The proposal form and the completion report are also available below.