1. Opportunities for Clinicians from MRC
Julia Dickinson
Programme Manager – Clinical Fellowships
NIHR Trainees Meeting, Leeds
26 November 2013

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

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 BBSRC NIHR Medical Charities TSB
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 5

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

7. MRC Research Fellows Fellowships Grants Great opportunities
Outstanding researchers
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

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

9. MRC Fellowships Non 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
Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowship
For Clinicians
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.
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
External referees
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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
Excite & don’t annoy your reviewers
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

19. Need & Potential for Impact
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
Medical Research Council
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
Sample text for footer
April 15,

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