REVIEW: Early Career Researcher Fellowship Hints and Tips Event

The origin of this particular Early Career Researcher event

After completing her PhD in the School of Biosciences under the supervision of Prof Stephen Dunnett, Dr Emma Yhnell was able to obtain her own independent research funding soon after and began her Health and Care Research Wales Fellowship in October 2016 within the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI). One year into her fellowship she wanted to organise an event to encourage other researchers to apply for fellowships, to build confidence and encourage discussion among researchers within the college. This event was the first of its kind to be organised and feedback from the event will be used to improve the event in subsequent years.

editors note: you can read about Emma’s first year as a Health and Care Research Wales fellow over on the Centre for Trials Research blog – “My Health and Care Research Wales Fellowship – One Year In!”

A summary of what was the “Early Career Researcher Fellowship Hints and Tips Event”

The event on Friday 22^nd September began with a series of talks from Chiara Singh-Fisher, Mari Nowell and Andrew Staphnill from Research Innovation Services (RIS). As well as giving their own tips and advice they introduced some of the practical aspects associated with fellowship applications. These ranged from how to cost and price the fellowship application, to internal reviews processes and how to stand out during an interview.

“That was great, I learned a lot during this event. Many thanks for organising it!”

Prof. Jeremy Hall gave attendees his personal hints and tips on how and why to apply for fellowships. Highlights included how to stand out and be confident in interview, where to based your fellowship and what to include in a fellowship application.

“Well done to the organiser. It was really good. I’ve avoided events like that in the past as they can be very prescriptive and formal. This was the opposite and I’d definitely recommend going to anyone thinking of applying for a fellowship.”

A number of current fellows based within the college were able to join the event and the final section saw a ‘meet and greet’ section where fellows were able to introduce themselves and their personal stories before a question and answer session.

Attendees were able to discuss topics further over a drinks reception which was kindly sponsored by the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI).

“Thank you to all involved in putting the event on and all attendees”

The organisation behind the event

The event held in the Haydn Elis Building was organised with the help of Paul Gauci, Senior Communication’s officer from the Department of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences as well as other members of the support team. The event was promoted throughout the college, via posters and emails and attendees were encouraged to register via EventBrite.

About the contributor:

Dr Emma Yhnell is a Health and Care Research Wales Fellow who is currently based in the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI). Her research focuses on the feasibility of completing computerised cognitive training for people and families impacted by Huntington’s disease.

Contact: https://twitter.com/EmmaYhnell

Email: yhnelle@cardiff.ac.uk

Twitter: @EmmaYhnell

University staff page: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/225350-yhnell-emma