Bonus post: Research Funding.
As promised, here comes another bonus blog post! This time on research funding: what it is, how it works, and when and how to get it. Personally, I don’t have the desire to stay in academia, so this topic is not hugely applicable to me, but it doesn’t hurt to understand it if my options change. I also know that many of you are on a different path to me and might find this information useful.
Disclaimer: I do not take credit for any of the following information, which I obtained from the SAgE Research Funding Development department at Newcastle University, UK.
Note: Most of the information in this post applies to the UK.
How does research funding work?
The UK has two streams of research funding:
Quality-related (QR) from Research England, which awards block grants to universities to support research (e.g. salaries) and research infrastructure (e.g. buildings, labs) based upon a QR assessment through the Research Excellence Framework.
Research project funding from all other funders e.g. government research councils, EU, industry, who fund specific research projects. This funding is bid for through research proposals in a competitive manner.
QR tends to cover academic salaries, whereas research assistant/associate salaries and PhD bursaries are bid for as part of a specific project.
Who funds UK university research?
^ In a nutshell
What you can apply for depends on the stage of your career...
PhD students can sometimes apply for:
Travel and placement funding
Training
Early career fellowships
Prizes
Postdoctoral researchers can usually apply for the above and:
Bridging funding
Vacation studentships
Research grants from some funders
Academics with permanent contracts can also apply for:
Mid-career or senior fellowships
Pilot funding
Responsive mode funding
New Investigator Awards
Special initiatives that align with funder strategy
Large, strategic grants (often collaborative, can be transnational)
Equipment funding
Prizes
Commercial opportunities
The above have differing degrees of complexity, effort, and criteria. Most institutions also offer some internal funding schemes e.g. visiting fellowships.
Picture source: Google.
A word on Early-Career Fellowships...
Fellowships are monetary awards to conduct a specific programme of research and significantly enhance a career. This allows for dedicated time to focus on research/innovation, working with professionals, receiving mentoring and enhanced training opportunities.
These are usually awarded to someone who has already done some supervised research and gained their doctorate or equivalent experience but is still early in their career.
Simplified researcher career path
If academia is your choice of route, you will need the following to succeed:
Funding to carry out desired research.
High quality publications.
High quality, research-led teaching.
Appreciation and demonstration of the future impact of your research.
Public engagement work can complement and add to your expertise.
The 3P’s to a successful application/proposal
PERSON - Why me?... In addition to a list of publications, your academic CV should include any:
Travel grants, prizes, essay competitions...
Invited talks, presentations, collaborations...
Mentoring, supervision, research-led teaching...
Public engagement activities.
Studentships, fellowships, research grants.
PROJECT - Why now?... The project needs to:
Be composed of the right team of people (relevant skills/expertise, collaborations, partners).
Have impact on knowledge, society, economy, and people.
Be internationally leading and of UK national importance.
Be state-of-the-art in the field.
Address a very important question(s).
Tip: Seek peer review of your proposal!
PLACE - Why here?... Why is the chosen institution the right environment for you and the project? It could be the:
Combination of expertise around you.
Support/mentoring/development/training available.
Commitment to your career, facilities and research space, potentially location with respect to collaborators/partners...
Note: You do not need/are not expected to move institutions when applying for a fellowship.
Proposal content and structure
Convey your genuine interest, understanding, and enthusiasm:
Who is your audience?
What do you want to do?
Why does it matter?
How will you do it and why?
3Qs: Why now? Why you? Why here?
What is the potential impact?
Checklist:
Read the guidelines carefully and thoroughly.
Have a captivating opening summary - pull your reader in.
Have an appropriate aim, objectives, and research hypothesis.
Have a well thought-through research design.
Consider your research environment.
Address all evaluation criteria.
Reviewer likes and dislikes
Likes:
Clear and concise writing.
Learn very quickly what the project is about and whether it fits the programme objectives.
Solid preliminary data showing that approach has promise.
Evidence that the primary investigator is qualified to do the research.
Specific and thought through research plan.
Dislikes:
Proposals that are vague and unfocused – takes too long to figure out what their aims are.
Dense academic prose – reads too much like a journal paper.
Lack of proof reading and sloppiness (special annoyance).
Incomplete response to programme requirements/evaluation criteria.
Poor/no description of novelty/state-of-the-art of the research.
The project is too ambitious.
Primary investigator lacks competence to do the research.
Photo: A valid question. Source: Google.
Finding funding
Check funder websites and sign up to mailing lists.
Join learned societies and take advantage of their funds.
Use the web and social media, such as RSS feeds, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Distribution of news and funding by your institution and faculty.
Use RESEARCHconnect.
Preparation for success - START NOW
It is never too early to work on your self-development, so go build up your ‘measures of esteem’:
High-quality publications.
Attend/present at conferences
Apply for research funding, including travel awards.
Get recognition through prizes and award nominations.
Develop your network.
Take steps towards research independence (supervise students, manage projects, pilot work…).
Develop collaborations (UK and internationally).
Plan your long-term research vision.
Discuss your plans with colleagues.
Develop links with industry.
Become a reviewer yourself.
Get international experience through secondments and placements.
Do public engagement activities.
Transferable skills training e.g. driving, leadership, team work, languages.
Search for funding opportunities that your supervisor can bid for and you can be a part of.
Also remember that you’re not alone in this and don’t be afraid to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, previous applicants, panel members, funding teams, and many others. ✨
Photo: What matters most is how you see yourself. Source: Google.
