Opportunities for Clinicians from MRC Julia Dickinson Programme Manager – Clinical Fellowships NIHR Trainees Meeting,

1. Opportunities for Clinicians from MRC Julia Dickinson Programme Manager – Clinical Fellowships NIHR Trainees Meeting, Leeds 26 November2013

2. Content About the MRC Mission, Strategy and Remit MRC funding relevant to you Clinical Fellowships & NIRGs Application Process and Tips

3. Leading & partnering research • Established 1913 • Funded by UK taxpayers • One of seven Research Councils Dedicated to improving human health through the best scientific research.

4. MRC mission • Encourage and support high-quality research with the aim of improving human health. • Produce skilled researchers. • Advance and disseminate knowledge and technology to improve the quality of life and economic competitiveness in the UK and worldwide. • Promote dialogue with the public about medical research.

5. MRC remit and partners MRC: basic research to early clinical trials Underpinning and aetiological Prevention Detection and diagnosis Treatment development & evaluation Phase 1 & 2 trials Other funders/partners Government departments, especially Health Other Research Councils Medical Charities Industry Technology Strategy Board Basic research Discovery Preclinical Early Clinical Late Clinical HTA MRC BBSRC NIHR Medical Charities TSB

6. Content About the MRC Mission, Strategy and Remit MRC funding relevant to you Clinical Fellowships & Research Grants Application and Peer Review Process

7. Fellowships The person The project The ‘place’ Grants The project / programme The people The ‘place (s)’ “The thing I enjoy so much is that my work has direct application to people…” MRC/Academy of Medical Sciences Clinician Scientist Great opportunities MRC Research Fellows Outstanding researchers

8. “My fellowship led directly to more opportunities and collaborations…” MRC Clinician Scientist Fellow Resources Protected time Connections, networks Potential to establish competitive position Route to independence Recognition Influence Fellowships: More than just a grant! Great opportunities Outstanding researchers

9. MRC FellowshipsNon Clinical, Clinical and Strategic Skills fellowships

10. Clinical Fellowships For outstanding clinical researchers to establish themselves as leading investigators in clinical academic medicine. Considered three times a year. Senior Research Fellowships For clinicians to continue research at a postdoctoral level and develop towards independence. Considered twice a year. Intermediate Clinical Fellowship Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers For clinicians who have recently gained a higher degree to undertake a postdoc that will help them address a longer term research vision. Or for individuals who undertook a PhD early in their career (eg, through an MB/PhD Programme) who wish to regain momentum.. Considered three times a year. Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowship For Clinicians Research Training Fellowship For medical, dental, clinical psychology and veterinary graduates with little/no research experience, to pursue training in a research lab towards a PhD. Considered three times a year.

11. MRC has a leading role and complementary partnerships in clinical research training

12. Research Grants • Support: flexible, for high quality investigator-initiated research • Eligibility: UK Universities or NHS Trusts • Duration: Up to 5 years - depends on the needs of the research being supported • Funding: no pre-set limits – subject to peer review of ‘value for money’ • New Investigator Research Grants (NIRGs): clinical and non-clinical researchers in their first steps towards establishing themselves as independent principal investigators. • 3-10 year post doc (1 year for clinicians) • Minimum 10hr/week • potential source of research funding for fellows whose awards only cover a personal salary

13. Content About the MRC Mission, Strategy and Remit MRC funding relevant to you Clinical Fellowships & NIRGs Application Process and Tips

14. Assessment of Fellowships The Process: Peer Review  Shortlisting  Panel Interview

15. Two-stage Review Process • Referee Assessment • Detailed evaluation of candidate potential, scientific quality and level of resourcing • Inform short-listing decisions and interviews/funding decision • Panel Assessment • Short-listing decisions based on referees’ assessment • Interview candidates to make funding decisions

16. Understand how peer review works • National Institutes of Health (NIH) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBDxI6l4dOA External referees 3 per 3-yr Proposal Reports & scores Shortlisting By Committee subgroup Committee scores & ranks Committee feedback Learn from your mentors, peers & funders how peer review works 16

17. The Interview • Normally 25-30 minutes • All the Panel may be present • 2 members will lead the questions • Keep presentations to time • Keep answers to the point • Be prepared to discuss the referees’ comments • Science-based questions, not competencies • Practice!

18. Writing fellowship & grant proposals • Don’t be boring (“So what?”) • Be ambitious, original and credible • Structure a clear, logical plan to achieve challenging objectives • Explain pilot data & others’ inputs • Risks are inevitable: Have a Plan B • Write clearly, for experts & non-experts in your field. Make your proposal easy to read! • Invite tough criticism from peers, mentors & friends before you submit Excite & don’t annoy your reviewers

19. Remember… Your application will only be as strong as its weakest link Design Deliverability Need & Potential for Impact Ethics Resources

20. Sources of advice … Funder Website, helpline Named contact University Grants office University requirements Costing software Assistance in preparing grant applications Writing workshops Helpdesk Experienced colleagues and collaborators Past evaluation committee members Successful grant applicants 20

21. More information www.mrc.ac.uk Julia.Dickinson@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk www.wellcome.ac.uk John Williams: Head of Clinical Activities, j.williams@wellcome.ac.uk James Harden: Clinical Activities Manager, j.harden@wellcome.ac.uk Kathryn Adcock: Senior Portfolio Developer, Clinical Activities, k.adcock@wellcome.ac.uk