John Charnley Trust

The John Charnley Trust, established in 1983 in memory of pioneering orthopaedic surgeon Sir John Charnley, whose innovations revolutionised hip replacement surgery at Wrightington Hospital, advances research, education, and training in orthopaedics, with a core focus on joint replacement—particularly Low Friction Arthroplasty of the hip. Rooted in values of scientific excellence, innovation, knowledge transfer, and nurturing future surgeons, the Trust strategically invests in competitive fellowships, bursaries, and events to relieve human suffering through improved surgical outcomes, having awarded over £1.7 million to sustain Charnley's legacy.

It funds short-term educational visits (3-6 weeks), research projects, conferences, seminars, and training for early-career orthopaedic surgeons committed to hip and knee arthroplasty advancements. Supported activities emphasise skill-building at centres of excellence, fostering UK and international collaboration, with recipients including surgical trainees and researchers sharing insights via required reports.

Eligible applicants are UK-based orthopaedic surgeons in training, attached to recognised clinical or academic settings; no organisational income restrictions apply, and placements can be worldwide. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via post to Wrightington Hospital, including a covering letter, CV, host acceptance, and reference.

Grants cap at £5,000 for direct educational costs, excluding salaried fellowships or travel top-ups. Biannual deadlines are 31 March and 30 September, with remote interviews for shortlists and decisions in 4-6 weeks. Distinctive for its exclusive orthopaedic focus, rigorous trustee-led reviews by clinician experts, and ties to elite institutions like Wrightington, the Trust prioritises high-impact, merit-based investments in innovation and best practice.