1. Wellcome Funding Opportunities
CATO Masterclass: Developing Research Careers beyond PhD
15 March 2017

2. Wellcome exists to improve health for everyone by helping great ideas to thrive.
We’re a global charitable foundation, both politically and financially independent.
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

3. Research Careers Framework
Taught
Supervised
Guided
Independent
Training:
Specialist Masters programmes
PhD fellowships & programmes
Consolidation & exploration
Independent Research
Education
Research Skills Training, Leadership Development and Mentoring

4. New 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

5. PhD Programmes for Clinicians
Postgraduate research training in a structured and mentored training environment
7 new Clinical PhD programmes announced this summer (total of 12)
Programmes are based in centres of excellence throughout the UK and Ireland
Replace Research Training Fellowships
Research opportunities for clinicians from a range of specialties
Each fellowship provides a clinical salary, PhD registration/college fees, research expenses and training costs
Applications made to programmes directly
UCL
Imperial College PhD Programme Director: Gavin Screaton

6. Clinical Research Career Development Fellowships
Medical, dental, veterinary and clinical psychology graduates.
Continue research at postdoctoral level and develop scientific independence
Clinically active
Clear plan for completing clinical training
Replacing previous schemes
Postdoctoral Training Fellowship for MB/PhD Graduates.
Early Postdoctoral Training Fellowship.
Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowships for Clinicians.
Intermediate Clinical Fellowships.

7. Duration of funding
Up to 8 years, split over two stages.
Up to 5 years in any one stage.
What we offer
Salary (can be consultant level).
Research expenses.
Equipment and maintenance.
Staff (only for Stage 2).

8. Different Stages - CRCDFs
Guided
Early independence
Stage 1
Consolidation of research skills
Exploration of new research areas
Finishing clinical training
Stage 2
Independent Research
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

9. Tips on writing a good application – the concept of grantsmanship
“Good writing will not save bad ideas, but bad writing can kill good ones.” (Kraicer)

10. Assessment Criteria Person The candidate’s track record
The candidate’s vision of how the funding will contribute to their career development
The candidate’s long-term aspirations
Project
The quality and importance of the research question
The feasibility of the approach
The appropriateness of the resources
Place
The candidate’s choice of research sponsors
The quality and suitability of the research environment

11. Before starting your application…
Read the application form and guidance notes carefully
Think about the questions to address and who you may need to contact before you can answer some of them
Identify colleagues who have previously been successful in obtaining grant support:
Study their proposals, and use them as models
Discuss ideas with colleagues in the relevant fields
Check deadlines to avoid rushed applications & allow time for the application to be processed by the admin office
Queries? Concerns? Contact the funder for advice

12. What makes a ‘Good Application’?
A strong and original central hypothesis
Evident knowledge of the area
Consider what’s already known, address conflicting opinions, use appropriate citations and references
Clear research plan
Is the technical approach feasible? Is the timescale realistic? What are the potential pitfalls and your fall-back plans?
For clinical research think about using the NIHR’s Research Design Service (RDS)
Convincing preliminary data
Not over- or under-ambitious

13. What makes a ‘Good Application’?
Easy to understand and read
Consider all readers: avoid jargon and abbreviations
Check grammar and spelling
Appropriate expertise
Choose your sponsor and supervisor wisely
Appropriate collaborators enlisted
Appropriately costed. All resources should be scientifically justified
Is the study adequately powered?
Does the study offer value for money?

14. Avoid common mistakes
Be realistic
Be analytical and critical
Is the timing right?
Do not depend on your track record alone. Good researchers can (and do!) submit poor applications
Is the right expertise enlisted?
Give yourself time to write the application
Will you enjoy the project? It’s important to have fun!
Have you justified the budget?
Proof read the application and ask others to read it critically before submission – you will need to give them plenty of time to do this well!

15. The Interview Practice makes perfect! Ensure you have mock interviews…
Know your application backwards? How does it fit into the context of the current landscape?
Smile, make eye contact!
No trick questions!
Listen carefully to the questions, and ensure you answer concisely
Be prepared to defend, but know when to concede

16. Whatever happens..
You can expect clear and helpful feedback
If successful you will receive the benefits of being a Wellcome-funded Fellow
If you are unsuccessful then don’t give up. Tenacity important for a career in academic medicine! All senior individuals will have had grants turned down….

17. Further advice and information...
James Harden
Clinical Activities Manager