Health Education England Genomics Education Programme Fellowship Scheme Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: If I am applying for a research fellowship to do a PhD can I do it at any university? A: Yes, you can. Your host university will need to agree to host you for the duration of your award, and you should be able to demonstrate why it is the best place for you to undertake the fellowship. Q: Is funding restricted to laboratory research? A: No, funding is available for a wide variety of research projects, but should cover one of the GEP priority areas listed in the guidance Q: Is there an upper limit for funding? A: The level of funding you will be eligible for will depend on your research proposal. Q: I would be carrying out my project in a different clinical department from the one I am currently employed in, within the same Trust. Who should act as Head of Department (HoD) signatory the current head or the one I would be working with during the Fellowship? A: The Head of Department who you will be working with as well as approval from your current HoD, that they are happy for you to be released from your substantive role. Q: I am planning to collaborate with researchers from another university who have expertise in a particular part of the project. Should I list them as a collaborator or supervisor? A: Either, or both, is fine. Q: If other researchers are acting as supervisors, I will need to cost for their time so they can claim the costs back is there any barrier to doing so? A: The Fellowship Scheme does not fund supervisor or collaborator time. Q: What are you looking for me to demonstrate in the section on future plans? A: It is important to demonstrate to the panel that you have considered your career trajectory after the Fellowship, and the way in which the Fellowship award will support you in achieving your future goals. Q: I am applying for a Post Doctoral Fellowship. How much time abroad can be included in application? A: We will fund a maximum of one overseas visit, which will need to be justified within the context of your research. Page 1
Q: I am based in a university. Can I include in my research support team a lead clinician whom I am working with in one of the Trusts? They hold an honorary contract with my university. A: Yes, provided they are not being included in a mentor (research support) or supervisory capacity, as the Fellowship does not fund this time. Q: I am a non-clinical applicant. Will my salary be funded in addition to my research? A: Yes. The Fellowship Scheme provides funding for both your research project and your salary. This applies whether you are a clinical or non-clinical applicant. Q: Are applicants for the Doctoral Fellowship expected to have publications? A: Publications are not essential, but they will be looked upon favourably as they are a way of demonstrating your potential at this level. Q: My substantive post is with the NHS; however, my primary supervisor is based at the university where I will be completing the PhD. Can I keep my NHS contract and receive 100% of funding costs? A: The contract for the award will be with your host employer. Your host can be NHS or university but you will need to make it clear why it is the best place for you to undertake your fellowship. Q: Is it possible to have a supervisor / mentor that isn t in the host institution? A: Yes, the important thing is that you have chosen the right supervisor(s) and mentor(s) for you. The panel will look to see how they will support you, especially if they are based at a different institution or NHS Trust to you as the fellow. Q: If applying for a Post- Doctoral Fellowship, is it possible to have European mentors / supervisors? A: Yes, providing you can make it clear how the support arrangements will work e.g. use of Skype for regular meetings. Q: How much notice will I have prior to interview? A: We will aim to inform you at least two weeks prior to the interview date. Q: How long will the interview last? A: Interviews are likely to last approximately one hour, with time for a presentation built in. Q: What is the maximum consumable allowance? A: There is no maximum limit. However, any costs that are not justified or are deemed unrealistic will be removed during the contracting stage. Page 2
Q: Why might you turn down an application? A: There are a wide range of reasons as to why an application may not reach the interview stage or may be rejected for funding. Unsuccessful interviewed applicants will be given individual feedback based on the panel s comments. Please read carefully the Fellowship Scheme guidelines particularly the Assessment Criteria. Q: Would an MSc by Research suffice as evidence of research interest? A: If you are applying for a Doctoral Research Fellowship, an MSc is one way to demonstrate evidence of an interest in research. Other ways include involvement in research projects, contributions to publications, and professional work in a research capacity such as a research assistant or research nurse. Q: Is it appropriate to have multiple supervisors (for example three or four) if they can bring different expertise to the project? A: Yes. It is important that you explain in your application what each supervisor will bring to your application and your development as a researcher. Q: Will you consider applications for study at universities that have not previously hosted Fellowship students? A: Yes. It is important that the supervisor(s) at your chosen institution has experience of supervising PhD students and that they are the right supervisor for you. Q: Can I include costs for a mentor to visit my host institution from overseas? A: No. Funding does not include costs for mentors, supervisors or collaborators - and this includes travel costs. Q: Is there a limit to the number of Fellowship applications you will support? A: Only one application per individual will be considered. Q: Do we have to have the methodology ready whilst applying or could it be modified along the way? A: Yes, you are required to outline your proposed methodology when completing your application. It is important that you explain this in the application so that the panel members can understand your proposed research. If you are invited to interview, you will be required to know your project and methodology is often an aspect that the panel will ask questions about. However, methodologies can be refined or adapted throughout the project. Q: If I have undertaken pilot work in preparation for my application, where is it best to include this? A: This should be included in the research plan section where you are expected to detail the background on previous work in the area. Page 3
Q: The application form asks for a breakdown of conference-related costs but these are not available yet. What should I do? A: Where arrangements cannot be confirmed, please estimate the costs for travel, subsistence and conference attendance. Q: Do you know whether a 2-year part-time post doc (E.g. 3 or 4 days a week) would be a possibility or would it have to be 3 years? A: The key is to ensure your plans is clearly explained in your application. Q: Can I apply for the Fellowship next year instead? A: At this stage we are unable to confirm that there will be opportunities next year. Therefore, you are advised to apply now if interested. Q: I am interested in the Doctoral Research Fellowships which provide funding for a PhD. Is it possible to fund a Doctor of Clinical Science (DClinSci) research degree using this award? A: No. The DClinSci has a very small research component. We will only fund PhDs. Q: Regarding secondments, could this be in my current workplace (partly or entirely) but working on a differently oriented project? A: Yes, but you would need to: 1. Clearly demonstrate that this secondment would not be an extension of any existing work 2. Outline why this research project could not be conducted elsewhere Q: Does a secondment need to be hosted by a university? A: No. A secondment could be hosted by any organisation. The key is to provide full details of your chosen organisation and your rationale for choosing them. Q: Can PhD holders apply for a secondment? A: Yes. Q: Does funding go to the university or is it via a hospital? A: The University must provide a full breakdown of the fees they would charge for each academic year of study, but funds will be held by your employer. Q: Who should I go to for my costings to be approved? Page 4
A: You will require approval from your employer and university. Your employers will need to confirm your salary. The university in question will need to confirm fees and any other additional costs. Q: Can the statement of support be from my line manager or should it come from the senior director? A: Your line manager will suffice, providing they have sought appropriate authority within your employing organisation. Q: How will my NHS employment be affected if I am successful with my application (continuous employment, pension, salary progression)? A: Your NHS employment should not be affected. Page 5