Independent Services

Webinars

We offer a series of webinars designed to help researchers improve their skills in writing competitive fellowship applications and enhancing their grantsmanship. These webinars will last between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the specific topic.

Interview and Presentation Preparation

We also offer a valuable opportunity for candidates who have been shortlisted for fellowship interviews through our interview practice sessions with an expert panel selected from the College of Experts.

Knowledge and networking events

We host quarterly online networking and information events aimed at inspiring potential applicants to pursue fellowship opportunities. These informal sessions feature insights from successful applicants, contributions from funders,

Scheme-specific mentorship groups.

Researchers aiming for a specific call will be supported within a cohort, providing a mentorship group with a programme tailored to that scheme. This support includes access to the College of Experts, budgeting support, and

Peer Review

Peer review is a fundamental quality assurance process in which researchers share draft proposals with knowledgeable colleagues or expert panels before submission. This pre-submission review provides independent, constructive feedback to identify weaknesses in scientific rationale, methodology, feasibility, or clarity that authors may overlook.

Fellowship writing bootcamp.

For intensive support, we will offer an annual application writing bootcamp where applicants could bring draft applications and be supported in grantsmanship and honing the presentation of their research concepts. Issues such as understanding the importance of the research environment as a key element in the application and the role of patient and public involvement in research will be included. Feedback on scheme-specific issues around budgeting will also be supported. The writing bootcamp represents a vital resource for researchers seeking to enhance their application skills and increase their chances of securing funding. By offering a focused and supportive environment, participants will leave the bootcamp with a refined application, a deeper understanding of critical components such as the research environment and public involvement, and tailored feedback on budgeting. This initiative aims to empower researchers with the tools and confidence needed to effectively present their innovative research ideas, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and discovery in their respective fields.

Scheme-specific mentorship groups.

Researchers aiming for a specific call will be supported within a cohort, providing a mentorship group with a programme tailored to that scheme. This support includes access to the College of Experts, budgeting support, and targeted online training and group activities By establishing these scheme-specific mentorship groups, we aim to provide researchers with a robust support system that not only addresses the intricacies of their funding applications but also promotes a collaborative spirit among peers. Through access to expert guidance, targeted training, and tailored group activities, participants will be well-equipped to enhance their chances of securing funding for their innovative research projects. This initiative is designed to empower researchers and foster a vibrant community dedicated to advancing knowledge and discovery.

Knowledge and networking events

We host quarterly online networking and information events aimed at inspiring potential applicants to pursue fellowship opportunities. These informal sessions feature insights from successful applicants, contributions from funders, and discussions led by the College of Experts, who are accomplished scientists with relevant experience. The events are designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration among participants. All sessions will be recorded and made available on our dedicated webpage, with links shared widely through social media to maximize accessibility.

Flexible seed grants

We Provide flexible seed grants to applicants (up to £10,000). These highly focused seed grants are offered through open competition to support specific needs for applications. These needs may include preliminary data collection, travel for team building or key skill acquisition, support for women researchers with caring responsibilities, or cutting-edge methodology focused training. These are candidate-focused, allowing flexibility to meet individual needs as long as they are well articulated.

Interview and Presentation Preparation

We also offer a valuable opportunity for candidates who have been shortlisted for fellowship interviews through our interview practice sessions with an expert panel selected from the College of Experts. These sessions will provide participants with essential practice, allowing them to refine their presentation skills and receive constructive feedback on their draft presentations. Candidates will engage in a realistic interview setting, addressing questions that pertain to their project, the research environment, their research team, the culture of research, and their vision for personal and professional development. The benefits of this practice are manifold. Not only does it help candidates build confidence in their presentation skills, but it also equips them with the insights needed to effectively articulate their ideas and respond to challenging questions. This preparation can significantly enhance their performance during actual interviews, thereby increasing their chances of securing funding. Additionally, feedback from experienced experts provides candidates with a deeper understanding of what funders are looking for, allowing them to refine their approach and strengthen their applications.

Webinars

We offer a series of webinars designed to help researchers improve their skills in writing competitive fellowship applications and enhancing their grantsmanship. These webinars will last between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the specific topic. Participants will explore essential subjects such as grants and finance management, understanding the priorities of funding agencies, strategic budgeting, and the importance of networking and collaboration, grantsmanship skills, proposal drafting. Each session will be led by experienced professionals and successful grant recipients, providing valuable insights and practical strategies that can significantly boost the effectiveness of applications.

The format of these webinars encourages active participation and interaction, creating a collaborative learning environment. Participants will have the chance to ask questions and share their experiences, which not only deepens their understanding but also fosters a sense of community among researchers. This interactive approach is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas and the development of potential partnerships, further enriching the professional networks of all participants.

Importantly, these webinars are free for all registered participants, making them accessible to a wide range of researchers regardless of their financial situation. By removing financial barriers, we aim to empower scholars at various stages of their careers, ultimately contributing to the advancement of research quality and innovation. We invite all interested researchers to register and take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their skills in securing funding