Mandatory Research Element to AVS
13th May 2025
Mandatory Research Element to becoming an Accredited Vascular Scientist
At the 2024 Vascular Society ASM it was announced that a research module will soon become a mandatory step in the process to becoming an Accredited Vascular Scientist (AVS). This mandatory research module within the AVS pathway provides research evidence to the CSVS accreditation process making the AHCS/HCPC equivalence application more streamlined.
This is notice that the mandatory completion of this research module will come into effect from the 1st September 2026. Anyone applying to sit their AVS practical exam after this date, will be required to complete the mandatory research module before being able to sit their practical exam.
Following successful completion of the CSVS Physics, Haemodynamics and Instrumentation Theory Exam, the research module will involve:
-
Successful passing of the CSVS Technology Theory Exam, which includes research related questions. This is no change to current practice. Please see the Technology Exam syllabus on the CSVS website Education pages.
-
Undertake a small research project or service evaluation and submit an abstract to a vascular related conference (e.g. the Vascular Societies ASM, Charing Cross Symposium, BMUS) or the final manuscript to a relevant journal (e.g., Journal of the Vascular Societies of GB&I).
- You must provide evidence (e.g., email) of your abstract or manuscript submission (not publication or acceptance) to the CSVS Practical Exam team upon application for the AVS practical exam.
The mandatory research module will be supported by an optional research study day/online element (format to be determined) which is aimed to support those unfamiliar with getting started with research and is open to any member irrespective of whether they are completing AVS or not, i.e., those wishing to learn more about research. However, the optional study day/online element is not necessary for the AVS accreditation or the HCPC equivalence process and is supportive in nature only.
Numerous communications will be sent over the next year reminding you of the pending deadline.
With best wishes,
CSVS