Research Fellowships

Overview Introduction Why apply for a fellowship Finding the right fellowship The application process Assessment criteria for funding applications What makes a good application

What is a fellowship? “A merit-based scholarship, or form of academic financial aid” “A stipend that supports the pursuit of an advanced degree and/or research.”

Why apply for funding? The benefits Independent research Protected time for research Progress career Grow your own group Prestige

Is this the right thing for me? Long term academic aspiration Research question Strong CV Publications – “at least a key role in seminal papers or equivalent” Timing – long application process Academic mentor

Fellowship funding spans the academic career pathway Pre doctoral (opportunities for clinicians only) Post doctoral 3 – 6 years post PhD 6 – 10 years post PhD Up to 10 years post PhD

Who funds fellowships? GovernmentCharitiesOther Research Councils NIHR / Dept. Of Health Wellcome Trust BHF CRUK Diabetes UK Alzheimer’s Research Trust Royal Society Industry European Union (Marie Curie schemes) [There are many others, these are given as examples]

The application process How do you go about making an application? What approvals do you need? How will your proposal be assessed? Who are you communicating with?

Who can apply? Eligibility criteria are funder and scheme specific, so read the guidelines Ask colleagues what they have applied for Some general points: Travel grants – usually something for all career stages Fellowships – always prestigious, cover all career stages Projects – often need a confirmed position to lead, so consider other roles Prizes – criteria will be specific

Funding application process 1 Research idea Discuss idea with Head of School Refine research idea Identify appropriate funding opportunity Consider potential issues such as contracts, ethics, intellectual property. Discuss with RED team as necessary Is there an internal process? Identify your academic sponsor

Funding application process 2 Technical stages Read funders guidance Create electronic account (JeS, EAA, e-grants etc) Complete project costing Submit project costing for approval Copy costs onto application Intellectual stages Develop a draft project description Obtain feedback from colleagues Complete all aspects of the application Transfer written information onto the application form and ensure all sections of application are complete Submit application to funder. Finance submit most electronic-based applications, you are responsible for paper and applications Submit application for institutional approval Your Head of School and Finance need to approve your application.

Assessment criteria Differ between funder and scheme Reviewers are given set of criteria Available from the funder Review before you start writing, and before you submit

Think about who you are communicating with An administrator? Expert referees? A panel of subject specialists? A panel drawn from a range of disciplines?

How will your application be assessed? What things will influence what reviewers think of your grant applications? The three Ps… Person Place Project

A good proposal - Person Evidence of potential for scientific independence Evidence of potential for research leadership Commitment to a research career Further training Internal or external

A good proposal - Place The proposed School / University International reputation / track record Research strengths Support / training available Facilities and major equipment Academic Sponsor Collaborators

A good proposal - Project Interesting and timely project Well chosen and justified methods Deliverable (realistic and matched to your skills and expertise) Good value for money Well defined user group Clear impact Data sharing

Three P’s Person Track record Previous research Publications Conference presentations Qualifications Collaborations Project Realistic Novel Timely Good value Pilot data Well planned Potential value of results Place Facilities Track record Academic environment Strategic fit Collaborations

A good proposal - Application READ THE GUIDELINES Questions for reviewers / reviewers handbooks Talk to funding bodies Be realistic Have other people read your application (your boss, RED, your contemporaries, your future boss)

Common reasons for failure Unrealistic Proposal is not relevant to the funder Insufficient or unconvincing preliminary data Lack of experimental detail Too descriptive and no clear hypothesis Poorly written It’s already been done Unclear impact or importance

Summary Our top tips Plan ahead & leave plenty of time Ask for help & advice Read the guidelines

Contact details Collette Sheahan (ext 46966) OR Dr Zoe Holland (ext 17632)