Format: Online
Dates: 2026
The Research Pathway consists of a blended learning scheme involving online self-study, virtual courses and research projects. Level 1 “Introduction to critical care research” focuses on establishing the foundation for critical care professionals wishing to start research. After registering for the event, ensure you access the dedicated online classroom on the ESICM Academy.
Continue your learning journey with the Level 2 “Nuts and bolts of critical care research design” and further deepen with Level 3 “Development and design of a critical care research project”.
Directors
Pathway directors
- Andrew CONWAY MORRIS MD, MRC – Clinician Scientist, University of Cambridge; Hon Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Chair, Infection Section, ESICM.
- Nathan D. NIELSEN M.D., M.Sc., FCCM – Associate Professor of Medicine and Pathology; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine & Section of Transfusion Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine; Executive Editor – European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) Academy.
Objectives
- To allow a progressive build from the basic introduction to research and research methods for participants with little or no post-graduate research experience to the more advanced level which may be of specific interest to those with more research experience who want a refresher or need focused training on a specific topic.
- To cover the range of knowledge and skills required to embark on a career as an intensive care researcher.
- Descriptive statistics
- Types of data and their representation
- The normal distribution as an example of parametric distribution
- Indices of central tendency and variability
Deductive & inferential statistics
- Simple probability theory and the relation to confidence intervals
- The null hypothesis.
- Choice of simple statistical tests for different data types
- Type I and type II errors.
- Inappropriate use of statistics
Programme content
- Research in the ICU: critical research in a unique environment
- What are the barriers to research in critical care, how can we overcome them?
- Research at the bedside
- Populations and Research Questions
- How to Be a Good Journal Reviewer
- How to Spot Red Flags in Trials and Studies
- Choosing an outcome measure for a study
- Observational studies are unhelpful in the ICU
- Study size, attributable risk, effect size and powering
- How do we break the streak of neutral/negative trials
- Biological data, biomarkers and diagnostic studies
Target
This learning pathway aims to provide an educational resource for intensive care trainees, qualified intensivists, intensive care nurses and allied health professionals who wish to learn how to conduct and appraise research in intensive care.
Join the programme if you wish to:
- Improve your knowledge and skills required to embark on a career as an intensive care researcher
- Meet colleagues and experts from all over the world
- Exchange best practices and learn from each other
- Join our network of researchers and contribute to more evidence-based projects
Support Emerging Nations and Eastern Europe
ESICM members from the Emerging Nations and Eastern Europe (see list of countries here) are entitled to an discount on registration fees. To qualify, participants must be active ESICM members for the current year. To become a member, please see more information here.
Accreditation
An application will be made to the UEMS EACCME® for CME accreditation of each live event.
Endorsement: This Course is endorsed by the Research Committee of ESICM.
Further questions? Contact us at education@esicm.org