1. How to write successful fellowship applications Dr Liz Elvidge, Head, Postdoc Development Centre

2. Check the criteria! Every fellowship scheme is different The schemes have very clear criteria If you are not sure- contact them Keep a copy of the criteria and keep checking against it

3. Read the instructions Follow the instructions eg, page limits, font size, word limits Do not break the rules eg. Ask for more money than is available, fail to fill out all the sections Do not bend the rules eg PI to sponsor Submit after the deadline

4. People, project, place Remember the 3 ps Are you the best person to do this project? Is the project exciting, original, has impact, risky? Why Imperial? Is the lab already crowded?

5. Put aside plenty of time Applications take a long time eg. JRF- advertised for over 3 months Start early Talk to HoD, possible sponsor, research services, PI Submit it the day before the deadline in case of IT problems

6. Get expert advice and feedback Imperial has lots of fellows, panel members and discipline experts Get feedback from a range of people eg Academic, PI, professionals Listen to the feedback but remember it is your application

7. Think of your audience Fellowship applications are reviewed by very busy people Write clearly, succinctly Lay summary will be read by everyone- make it non-technical Write confidently but don’t lie!

8. Avoidable mistakes Spelling mistakes Colour diagrams which are too small or rely on colour for interpretation Not answering the questions Not being clear how the fellowship will progress your career

9. Feedback from funders Project unrealistic or poorly thought-through Independence not clear - just more of what your PI is currently doing Insufficient first author papers Low impact journals

10. Feedback from funders Clear title & objectives Make summary understandable Make proposal as easy to read as possible! Limit technical jargon where possible Explain acronyms on first usage

11. Feedback from funders: interviews Read invitation carefully  Time & Location – arrive early  Presentation format & content  Panel membership  Practice presentation and interview Predict likely questions- look at assessment criteria Be aware of wider context of your research Ask current/past fellows for advice

12. Interviews You *must* have a mock interview- your competition will Identify the weakest part and be able to answer the questions Dress smartly Do lots of preparation

13. How to write successful fellowship applications Dr Liz Elvidge, Head, Postdoc Development Centre