FAQs

Click the questions to read our answers.

How do I find out whether my application is successful? [-]

Candidates short-listed for interview will be notified by email in the week commencing 4^th June 2012. If you do not hear from us by this calendar week then assume that your application has been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, due to the very high volume of applications that we receive, we are unable to give feedback on individual applications.

Eligibility

I am not a UK/Irish citizen but am currently undertaking research in the UK/Ireland, am I eligible? [-]

The Fellowship is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), Swiss citizens and those with permanent residence status in the UK/Ireland; candidates must be residing in the UK or Ireland at the time of application.

Which fields of research are covered by the Fellowship? [-]

The fields of research are life sciences (including medical sciences) and physical sciences. Computer science, engineering, mathematics, psychology, science education and social sciences are not eligible for this Fellowship

I am currently working towards my PhD. Am I eligible? [-]

No. Candidates must have completed and been awarded a research doctorate by the time of application.

What is counted as no more than 10 years active full-time equivalent postdoctoral experience? [-]

Candidates must have no more than 10 years active full-time equivalent postdoctoral experience. This discounts career breaks, such as maternity leave, carer leave, ill health, EU national service and voluntary service overseas, but includes teaching experience and/or time spent in industry. Part-time work is counted on a pro-rata basis.

How do you define not holding a ‘permanent academic post’? [-]

Candidates must not currently hold a permanent academic post, or have held a permanent academic post in the past, or have received, before the start date of the award, the promise of a permanent academic post.

A permanent academic post is defined as one which includes lecturing and administrative responsibilities alongside research, and which is not dependent on research income but funded from general university/institute funds; it is also for an indefinite period, but may be terminated on notice.

If you currently hold a university post, to be eligible for this Fellowship your current post must be either a research post, which may be permanent or for a fixed duration, or a fixed term academic post, where your contract of employment has a defined end date.

I am returning to science research after taking a career break. Do I qualify for the Fellowship? [-]

The Fellowship is intended to provide flexible support for women scientists to pursue and continue their research careers in the UK or Ireland. Applications are welcomed from candidates who wish to establish/re-establish themselves after a career break or other period of absence from active research or where the candidate is establishing a research career as a mature entrant or after experience in other fields.

Career breaks can include periods such as maternity leave, carer leave, ill health, EU national service and voluntary service overseas. If you are currently returning to scientific research following a career break, please ensure that you indicate clearly in your application.

Am I able to hold the Fellowship on a part-time basis? [-]

The Fellowship is intended to provide flexible support for women scientists to pursue and continue their research careers in the UK or Ireland. Recipients can take up the award to pursue their research project either full-time or on a part-time basis to allow them to meet caring responsibilities etc.

I want to use the Fellowship to conduct research outside the UK/Ireland. Am I able to do so? [-]

Fellowships must be held at a UK or Irish university or research institute, and research must be carried out under the auspices of an academic supervisor or mentor at the host institution. However, award holders may conduct field work overseas as part of the UK or Ireland-based research supported by the Fellowship.

Do you accept joint applications? [-]

The Fellowships are awarded to individuals. We do not accept joint applications.

Required Documentation

Can I submit a paper application? [-]

We can only accept applications made online. You will need to visit www.womeninscience.co.uk to create an account and complete an application.

What are the guidelines regarding the length of the proposed research plan? [-]

The research plan should not exceed 1,000 words (excluding references).

What should be included in the candidate statement? [-]

The candidate statement should explain how the Fellowship will enable you to undertake your research and contribute to your career, and why the Fellowship is important to the funding of your research. Please specify how this award will help to overcome any obstacles and barriers which may have impeded your career progress to date. You should bear in mind that the Fellowships are designed to provide flexible support and make a convincing case for the difference that this Fellowship will make to you. The candidate statement can include justification for the proposed expenditure choices that you make in the budget section of the appliation. The candidate statement should not exceed 1,000 words.

What is required from the letter of acceptance from my proposed host institution? [-]

Your application should include a letter of acceptance from your proposed host institution. The letter should confirm that the university/research institute is able to provide you with the appropriate space and facilities for the duration of the 12-month period to undertake the research that the Fellowship would support. You can upload the letter (as a word or pdf document) to your application.

How many letters of recommendation are required? [-]

A completed application requires two letters of recommendation. These should be written by individuals who have personal knowledge of your qualifications and suitability for the Fellowship. These referees should be academic supervisors acquainted with your most recent periods of formal academic study or research.

How should letters of recommendation be submitted? [-]

You will be asked to fill in contact details for your two referees on the online application form and the system will automatically send them an email asking them to supply a letter of recommendation. It is advisable therefore that you inform your referees in advance that they will be sent an email asking for a letter of recommendation. Your referees will be asked to submit their letter of recommendation to us online. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that letters of recommendation are completed and received before the deadline.

Can I tell from the online application system if my referees have submitted letters of recommendation? [-]

Before you have submitted: Section D of the online application form will be updated when each of your referees submits a letter of recommendation, to read “this referee has now replied with a reference”. After you have submitted: You can log in and check the status of your references on the status bar at the top of the screen.

To whom should my referees address their letter of recommendation? [-]

Letters of recommendation should be addressed to “The 2012 For Women In Science Jury Panel”.

Do I need to send degree certificates as supporting documentation? [-]

You do not need to send us your degree certificates at the time of application. If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be required to provide certified copies of your undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates.

Award Payment and Use

What can I use the Fellowship award money for? [-]

The Fellowship is intended to provide flexible support for women scientists to pursue and continue their research careers in the UK or Ireland. The award money can be spent by the recipient on any costs that will enable and/or facilitate her research. Applicants are required to provide a budget estimate for proposed expenditure in their completed application.

What is the payment structure/timing for the award money? [-]

The Fellowship is intended to support a 12-month period of postdoctoral research. The award money will be paid in full at the start of the Fellowship, which must be within 6 months of the announcement of the award. Only in exceptional circumstances will a later start date be considered. Recipients are required to submit a final scientific report and a final financial expenditure statement on completion of the Fellowship.

Am I able to hold the Fellowship alongside other awards/fellowships? [-]

Yes. Recipients are allowed to hold the Fellowship alongside other awards, grants, scholarships and fellowships, but these must be declared. Candidates should advise the For Women In Science Team if they receive another award, grant, scholarship or fellowship which covers the proposed research project.

Technical Problems

I am experiencing technical problems completing the form online. Who do I contact for help? [-]

If you experience technical problems with completing the form online please contact us using the ‘help’ tab at the bottom of the online application. Alternatively, send an email to fwis@womeninscience.co.uk.