IRC Postgraduate Calls 2018 Michael Frain Graduate School Foundation Building Level Two 12 Sept 2017
IRC-PG Eligibility Anyone (EU & non-eu*) EU applicants are defined as ordinarily resident within a Member State of the EU/Ireland. With 1 st or upper 2 nd class honours primary degree (or equivalent); Has not previously held or holding IRC award Two attempts only
Terms & Conditions In addition to the GOI scholarships, a no. of targeted scholarships are offered in collaboration with our Strategic Funding Partners (SFPs). Applicants will be asked to choose which scholarship they wish to apply for (i.e. IRC GOI Scholarship, or an SFP scholarships). Applicants may apply for one scholarship only, however those that choose to apply for a SFP scholarship are not precluded from being considered for the GOI Scheme.
Terms & Conditions Scholars no longer need to apply to the Council to undertaking teaching (and related duties) once they fulfil the conditions outlined in clause: 8.12. Scholars may now apply to the Council to undertake an internship during the course of their award. The relevant conditions and process for this are outlined in clause: 11.2
Application Timelines Key Dates Call opened Late August 2017 FAQ Deadline 16.00 (GMT) 25 October 2017 Applicant Deadline 16.00 (GMT) 1 Nov 2017 Supervisor & Refs Deadline 16.00h 8 Nov 17 RO Endorsement Deadline 16.00 15 Nov 17 Outcome of Scheme 31March 18, Start Oct 18
Indicative duration of funding Traditional Doctoral Degree September/October 2018 September/October 2017* September/October 2016* 36 months THREE Years TWO Years ONE Year Registrations prior to September 2016 are ineligible.
Indicative duration of funding Structured Doctoral Degree 48 months September/October 2018 September/October 2017* September/October 2016* September/October 2015* FOUR Years THREE Years TWO Years ONE Year Registrations prior to September 2015 are ineligible.
Application Process Must Read the T&C and Guide for Applicants provides full guidance on using the online system Individual applicant registers online & sent login details Complete the application form Provide contact details for other parties Carefully Review, submit by 1 Nov 17 (16h GMT) International applicants need to be aware of varying time zones
Application Process Supervsior/Referees Supervisors need to pre-register on system (Referees don t) All parties are sent login email invitation to fill in specific form. Ensure contact details are correct Select people that won t let you down, they need to adhere to indicated deadlines and submit on time via the online system. Late forms will render your application ineligible! Your primary academic supervisor may NOT act as one of these referees, however a secondary academic supervisor IS permitted to do so submit by 8 November 16 (4pm GMT). International Referees should be aware of varying time zones
Application Process Institutional ENDORSEMENT: Sent notice that application is ready to review Check all relevant parts On-line endorsement by the Graduate School by 15 Nov 2017 No alterations can be made once application is submitted Applicants receive confirmation email of endorsement
FAQ s Process The FAQs will be available on the website. FAQ Deadline 16.00 25 Oct 17 Check if the query has already been answered by the FAQ send your query to Graduate School (michael.frain@ul.ie) Queries from that are not addressed on the FAQs list may be sent by the Graduate School to postgrad@research.ie The anonymous questions and answers will be posted on the IRC website. To ensure transparency and equity of access to information the IRC will not enter into individual correspondence.
FAQ: ORCID ID Q: Do applicants for the IRC GOI Postgrad Scholarship scheme require an ORCID ID in order to apply to the scheme? Answer The ORCID ID is a mandatory field on the application form. It is not possible to submit an application without one an ORCID ID is to provide a persistent digital identifier that distinguishes the applicant from every other researcher and, through integration in key research workflows such as manuscript and grant submission, supports automated linkages to ensure their work is recognised. Applicant without an ORCID ID,register for one at www.orcid.org.
FAQ: Abstract Q: Applicants are asked to provide a 'lay abstract' of their proposal can the Council provide more guidance on how this should differ to a 'normal' abstract A: A normal abstract should be a brief summary of the research proposal which does not necessarily need to be directed towards a general audience. This is in contrast to a lay abstract which is a brief summary of a research project that is used to explain complex ideas and technical or scientific terms to an audience who may not have prior knowledge of the subject. Free from jargon and written in an easily readable style. Remember the abstract is the hook for an assessor
Issues to Consider Make a proper plan of action. Think about your proposed study! Description of project; methodology; research plan) is key Answer all questions (or write n/a where not applicable) Word counts are maximums not targets! If you can make your argument within 80-90% of the word count that s a sign of being articulate. Waffling always loses you points. Similarly, unnecessarily complex words and excessive lengthy sentences seldom convinces a funder; but, makes them query your ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible & easy to understand format. Avoid Repetition Remember first impressions do count! Grammar, spell check, proof read.
Issues to Consider Be focused!! Keep prose simple, declarative and precise in all sections do not write in essay mode. Use jargon free language. The IRC Budget is extremely limited & get thousands of applications: How can you make your application stand out? Think about potential outputs/dissemination International reputational risk particularly for HEI and supervisor if application is poor Should not apply just for the sake of it
Assessment Process Separate Pots of Funding for: GOI AHSS application, GOI STEM applications Focus on funding excellence, originality and potential No subject quotas, no favoured topics nor disciplines No bias towards PhDs (3 or 4years) or Masters (1 or 2 years) No bias for new applications versus already started
Evaluation Criteria (Guide for Apps, App 2) Criteria & Detail Evaluation Marks the sections are not discrete- SYNERGY 1. PROJECT: Quality of the research project including (40%): Clarity and coherence of the proposed research project. Clear & coherent central research question hypothesis and appropriate research methodology to fit and limitations of the approach Consideration of ethical and sex/gender issues Feasibility and credibility of the proposed research plan in the proposed time period. Originality and innovative nature Suggest how your work will EXTEND and/or CHALLENGE the gaps and problems in the existing field Dissemination plans Direct alignment with Strategic Funding Partner as per T&C s
Method & Methodology Consider Research Methodology (includes Research Objectives, Res Questions, Rationale, Theoretical framework, ) before Research Methods (Quantitative and Qualitative methods or approaches to meet the objectives) These are interdependent
Postgraduate Evaluation Criteria 2. APPLICANT: Capability of the applicant 40% including: Track record and research potential of the applicant Personal Statement Match between applicant profile and research project Referees reports. Comments need to be frank and honest, not generic or anodyne
Postgraduate Evaluation Criteria 3. ENVIRONMENT: Suitability of Host Organisation(s):10% Suitability and ability of Supervisor(s) to provide adequate supervision. Quality of infrastructure and facilities provided by Host Organisation(s). Specific to your faculty, dept or school Match between applicant, Supervisor(s) and Host Organisation(s).
Postgraduate Evaluation Criteria Training and Career Development Aspects of proposal (10%): Clarity and quality of Training and Career Development Plan Capacity to acquire new knowledge and skills to achieve research and professional development aims. Evidence of real thought as to why research is to be undertaken and the impact of the proposed award on the applicants career path. Particular attention to relevant skills relating to employment outside the Traditional Academic Sector
Feedback 2015: An Example
PG Call 2017 To be considered for an award. STEM Minimum Score 89 AHSS Minimum Score 87.5
Finally IRC Enterprise Scheme, IRC Employment-based Scheme Thanks for Listening Questions