Wellcome - Funding Opportunities for Clinical Academics 26 March 2018 I’m here today to take you through the funding opportunities available at Wellcome for clinical scientists at the postdoctoral level. So I’ll start by giving you a bit of background on our vision overall as a funder, and then I will go into detail on our funding schemes. Julia Kowalczyk Grants Adviser j.kowalczyk@wellcome.ac.uk 1

Wellcome exists to improve health for everyone by helping great ideas to thrive. We support scientists and researchers, take on big problems, fuel imaginations and spark debate. Advancing ideas We support great ideas and inspired thinking Seizing opportunities We bring ideas together to make a difference Driving reform We change ways of working so more ideas can flourish

Science Funding

Consolidation & exploration Research Careers Framework Supervised Guided Independent Training: PhD programmes Consolidation & exploration Independent Research Research Skills Training, Leadership Development and Mentoring

Clinical Pathway Clinical Training Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship Stage 1 – Consolidation Stage 2 – Early independence Up to 8 years support in total. Clinical Training

Clinical PhD Programmes Consolidation and Exploration Clinical PhD Programmes Supervised research training Structured and mentored training environment Cohort of Fellows - additional support, training and development opportunities Research opportunities for clinicians from a range of specialties Wellcome Imperial Immunity, Inflammation, Infection and Informatics (4i) Clinician Scientist Programme Programme Director: Professor Matthew Pickering

Host institution Title of programme University of Cambridge PhD Programme for Clinicians University College London UCL Clinical Academic Training University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Clinical Academic Training University of Liverpool Clinical PhD Programme in Global Health University of Oxford Doctoral Training Fellowship Scheme for Clinicians Universities of Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield 4ward North Clinical PhD Academy Universities of Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter GW4 Clinical Academic Training Programme Imperial College London Imperial Immunity, Inflammation, Infection and Informatics Clinician Scientist Programme London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Clinical PhD Programme in Global Health Research Keele University Clinical PhD Programme for Primary Care Clinicians Institute of Cancer Research Clinical PhD Programme in Cancer Research University College Dublin Wellcome – HRB Clinical Academic Training Programme

Clinical Pathway Clinical Training Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship Stage 1 – Consolidation Stage 2 – Early independence Up to 8 years support in total.

Clinical Research Career Development Fellowships Stage 1: Consolidation and Exploration Stage 2: Independence Clinical Research Career Development Fellowships For medical, dental, veterinary and clinical psychology graduates to continue their research at postdoctoral level and develop scientific independence Eligibility: Higher degree and clinically active, with a clear plan for completing clinical training Replacing previous schemes Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowships for Clinicians Intermediate Clinical Fellowships. Structure: Flexible two-stage funding structure to fit around clinical training

Different Stages - CRCDFs Guided Early independence Stage 1 Consolidation of research skills Exploration of new research areas Finishing clinical training Stage 2 Independent Research CCT SCF or Senior Clinical Lectureship ‘Gate’ Demonstrate skills to drive independent research programme and potential to be a leader in chosen field Achieved international standing in field and leading own programme Duration: Up to 8 years, split over two stages: for early and intermediate career levels. Up to 5 years in any one stage Candidates who are ready for independent research can apply to stage 2 directly, without completing stage 1 first.

Stage 1 versus Stage 2 Stage 1: Consolidation and Exploration Stage 2: Independence Stage 1 versus Stage 2 Stage 1 - To consolidate research skills and explore new research areas. To be competitive for a Stage 1 award, applicants must demonstrate: A commitment to a clinical academic career. A clear plan for integrating their research and clinical training (if appropriate). A good track record for their stage in their research career.   Stage 2 - To support fellows to establish themselves as independent investigators. To be competitive for a Stage 2 award, applicants must demonstrate that they have: The research maturity, skills and vision to lead an independent research programme. A plan to lead an innovative and creative research programme. The potential to be a future international leader in their area of research.

Clinical Research Career Development Fellowships What we offer: Salary (can be consultant level) Research expenses Equipment and maintenance Staff (only for stage 2) assistance for Stage 2.

Research Enrichment funding Research Enrichment funding supports activities by Wellcome grant holders that will increase the impact of their work.  We offer enrichment funding in the following areas: public engagement inspire, consult or collaborate with the public about your work open research develop innovative ways to make their research open, accessible and reusable diversity and inclusion. trial new approaches to diversity and inclusion

Support and flexibility for our researchers Generous maternity/paternity/adoption sick leave supplements and extensions Flexible (part-time) working

Assessment Process – Key Features Full application Shortlisting Interview Expert peer review Application process takes approximately 5 months, from full application to decision. 2 rounds a year. Next deadline: 13 August 2018 Details of the Clinical Interview Committee which shortlists applications and interviews candidates is available on our website: https://wellcome.ac.uk/funding/clinical-interview-committee

CRCDF – Assessment Eligibility and suitability (career stage, remit) Appropriate running costs Track record for your career stage (taking into account career breaks) Research question (important in field, clear aims, achievable?) Approach (rationale, expertise, feasibility) Environment (suited to the research?) Support from your host organisation (space and resources, mentorship)

Peer reviewer comments “…the work described in this application is overambitious, it could not be achieved in the lifetime of the investigator.” “…it involves techniques with which the applicant appears to have no prior experience and for which no preliminary data are proposed…” “The poor writing, referencing and proof reading of this application significantly detract from its overall quality.” “…one weakness in this proposal is that there is no alternate plan should the proposed approach not yield information relevant to the hypothesis proposed…”

General application tips Understand the purpose of the scheme to which you wish to apply Think carefully about application timing – think ahead! Read the application form and guidance notes carefully Ask for feedback on your application from individuals within and outside your field Preparation, preparation, preparation!

Advice and information………. www.wellcome.ac.uk Julia Kowalczyk Grants Adviser j.kowalczyk@wellcome.ac.uk Kiri Tan Clinical Activities Manager k.tan@wellcome.ac.uk

Thank you

Current award holders Postdoctoral schemes Equivalent to Stage 1. Apply directly to Stage 2. Exceptional cases can request some further Stage 1 funding (5 years total for Stage 1 and Stage 2) ICFs Equivalent to Stage 2. Apply for SCF or Seed Award/IA (if secure Senior Clinical Lectureship). Case by case basis-consider a further year’s funding for those who only received 4 years. Terminated or NCE-no option of additional year.

Senior Research Fellowships For established researchers leading their own independent research programme. The programme of work you propose must be innovative and ambitious. you have made important contributions to your area of research, eg publications, patents, software development or an impact on policy you have an international reputation as a research leader in your field you have a track record of sustained research support from major funding bodies you’re committed to developing and mentoring less experienced researchers.