Applications are welcome for the 2026 Presidents' Travelling Fellowship
Deadline - Monday 5th January 2026

The British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) offer senior residents, spinal fellows and consultants within two years of their appointment a chance to have extensive exposure to complex spinal procedures at established spinal units over 2 weeks.
 
The Fellowship programme includes mandatory attendance at BASS 2026 in Aberdeen, 29 April - 1 May to complete a group presentation. The programme rotates between established orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal centres allowing significant contact between fellows and leaders in the field.
 
The Fellowship will take place between Monday 23rd February to Friday 6th March 2026. The Fellowship will rotate around centres in the UK (Centres proposed around Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield - subject to change). Fellows will then attend BASS 2026 in Aberdeen to present as a group on their Fellowship.

You can read the reports and opinions of last year's fellows HERE

If you have any questions or queries about this fellowship, further details can be obtained from Mr Rajat Verma (president@spinesurgeons.ac.uk) and Mr Lee Breakwell (president@britscolisis.org.uk)
 
Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following documents:

• your Curriculum Vitae (CV),
• a single-page personal statement describing your career pathway, interests and future plans.
• A letter of recommendation from your supervising consultant/clinical lead.

Your application should be sent to UKSSB@boa.ac.uk by Monday 5th January 2026. (only MS Word or PDF file formats accepted)

Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the BASS and BSS Executives. All candidates will be informed of the decisions after the application deadline

• Applicants should be members of either BASS, BSS, BOA, SBNS or local spine society.
• Applicants should be post-FRCS exam senior residents, clinical spinal fellows or junior consultants in the first 2 years of their appointment.
• Previously unsuccessful applicants can re-apply.
• Fellowships cannot be awarded retrospectively.

• BASS/BSS will reimburse travelling expenses up to £2,000. Claims must be submitted within 3 months of the Fellowship. Detailed financial arrangements will be provided to successful candidates.
• International fellows will be required to pay for their flights to the UK.
• By accepting the Fellowship, all awardees agree not to partake in any activities that will bring BASS/BSS and/or sponsors into disrepute. BASS/BSS accept no liability for the actions of the candidates whilst on the Fellowship or for activities related to it.
• Each Fellow is required to submit a report of approximately 500 words within 6 weeks of completion of the Fellowship. This may be published on the BASS and/or BSS websites and official communications.
• Fellows will be expected to register and attend BASS 2026 to present a group presentation.