The Research Environment

1. The Research Environment Tim Skerry Professor of Orthopaedic Biology

2. Even before starting the application you should discuss your intensions with the Grant Board on med-grantboard@sheffield.ac.uk ideally 3 months in advance of the submission deadline Register as an URMS user 2 Days Flag intensions 2-3 Weeks Collate Costings info (Field lab/equipment quotes) Prepare Draft Application (in conjunction with PI) Complete URMS Form 5 Days 3 Weeks Send Draft Application with Request for Internal Review to the Grant Board Submit URMS Form for Authorisation Send to your Section’s Finance Leader 3 Months 3-5 Days Receive Feedback Revise Application Taking into account comments URMS Form is sent to the RO for approval 5 Days Complete Application - include costing information from Research Office 5 Days Obtain School Authorisation - from Head or Deputy Head of your Section Obtain University Authorisation - from Research Office Submit Application to funding body

3. The Research Environment Science as a career What do you need? Getting started on a fellowship What do funders want The application process The internal review process

4. Lecturer Professor Science as a career Post Doctoral Training (2-5yr) Fellow Experimental Officer Biotech/Pharma Scientist Funding agencies Clinical Scientist Senior Fellow Senior Clinical Scientist Senior Experimental Officer Senior Lecturer/Reader Senior Scientist Technology transfer Patentingand legal Principal Fellow Consultant Clinical Scientist Principal Experimental Officer Group leader

5. What do you need? • Passion for Science and research - Enthusiasm shows through - Science is not an easy career • Clear focused research ideas - in a topical/fundable area - distinct from your host lab/PIs • Advice - and willingness to take it • Many people can help you - They probably know what they are talking about

6. Getting Started • Engage with your PI - Or find a sponsor who you can engage • Determine the type of support available - For you at your stage/age/experience - For your research ideas • Do you fit the call? - Engage with the funders - be pro-active - Change funders or change your fit • Seek help from instutution - Science review process: Med-GrantBoard@sheffield.ac.uk - Costings process: more later - Debra McClean

7. What do funders want? Future group leaders Clear explanation of your Science Delivery of commitments Future success High quality output High reputation with supporters Science that changes practice Personal Effectiveness Advanced Presentation Skills Writing up your research for publication Writing a successful grant application Research ethics and governance Public awareness and communication Enterprise and commercial awareness Successful fellows CPD courses available

8. The application: Selling your science • Is this a strong research idea? • What do you want to do? - Are you testing an hypothesis? - Be precise, specific and realistic • Why should funders believe you? - Preliminary data - Compelling argument for your research into this problem - Consistency • Do you have the skills/credibility or collaborate! • Overambitious claims are not good Support: • Workshop: “Writing a successful research grant” (Tim Skerry)

9. The application process: Selling yourself • Previous posts - pro-active or responsive? • Develop your experience/networks - Visit other labs- Talk to other scientists at meeting and ASK QUESTIONS • Develop your publication profile - Are you first author?- Write up research effectively • Develop grant portfolio - Travel grants/pump-priming grants- Named researcher on project grants • Evidence of external recognition - Talks at meetings- Awards • Public engagement - Outreach activities: Science week Support: • “Marketing yourself effectively workshop” (Careers Service) • Dr Sarah Langridge holds 1 to 1 clinics (just ask)

10. The internal review process • Internal review system: the Grant Board- Before writing the application- Ideally >2 months before submission- Time for more pilot data if essential • Mentoring through application- Most first drafts are flawed- ALL grants improve during internal review • Mock panel interviews held within the School- Presentation skills and clear informative slides- Rehearse and GET THE TIMING RIGHT

11. Even before starting the application you should discuss your intensions with the Grant Board on med-grantboard@sheffield.ac.uk ideally 3 months in advance of the submission deadline Register as an URMS user 2 Days Flag intensions 2-3 Weeks Collate Costings info (Field lab/equipment quotes) Prepare Draft Application (in conjunction with PI) Complete URMS Form 5 Days 3 Weeks Send Draft Application with Request for Internal Review to the Grant Board Submit URMS Form for Authorisation Send to your Section’s Finance Leader 3 Months 3-5 Days Receive Feedback Revise Application Taking into account comments URMS Form is sent to the RO for approval 5 Days Complete Application - include costing information from Research Office 5 Days Obtain School Authorisation - from Head or Deputy Head of your Section Obtain University Authorisation - from Research Office Submit Application to funding body

12. Don’t be put off • All scientists have grants rejected • Science is highly competitive but……. • Funders want to support fellowships • A fellowship may be the start of a long-term relationship