How to write successful fellowship applications
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Transcript of How to write successful fellowship applications
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How to write successful fellowship applications
Dr Liz Elvidge, Head, Postdoc Development Centre
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How to write successful fellowship applications
Dr Liz Elvidge, Head, Postdoc Development Centre