The Fellowship Ready Programme

A practical four-part workshop programme designed to help researchers prepare strong, authentic and persuasive research Fellowship applications.

These sessions go beyond funding guidance and application tips. Having managed a major Fellowship programme, Jenny brings a perspective that most applicants rarely get access to. Alongside practical tools and frameworks, she'll share honest observations from seeing first-hand what helped researchers build strong Fellowship applications and position themselves successfully.

Workshop one: Introduction to Fellowships

Focus

Many researchers assume Fellowships are only for exceptional candidates with perfect CVs. In reality, successful applicants are often those who can clearly articulate their potential, vision and future contribution.

Why you? Why now? Why this project? Why here?

What participants will gain

• Greater understanding of different Fellowship opportunities and funding routes
• Insight into what panels look for in successful applicants
• Introduction to Narrative CVs and professional positioning
• Increased confidence about preparing for future applications

What we cover

• What research Fellowships are and why they matter
• What makes a strong Fellowship applicant
• Understanding how Fellowship applications are assessed
• Introduction to Narrative CVs and R4RI frameworks
• Communicating achievements that don't just match the traditional academic metrics and are just as valuable

Workshop two: Research Proposals for Fellowships

Focus

Most Fellowship applicants don't struggle because they lack good ideas. They struggle because they find it difficult to explain those ideas clearly, demonstrate leadership and convince reviewers that the project is both ambitious and achievable.

This practical session helps researchers understand what reviewers are looking for and develop proposals that are clear, persuasive and easy to assess.

What participants will gain

• What Fellowship proposals are designed to achieve
• A stronger understanding of what makes a successful proposal from a reviewer's perspective
• Practical tools for developing clearer research proposals
• Strategies for communicating complex ideas more accessibly to relevant audiences

What we cover

• What Fellowship proposals are designed to achieve
• Developing strong titles, summaries and literature reviews
• Clarifying originality, significance and feasibility
• Clear, measured and realistic objectives
• Communicating benefits and impact (why it's important) rather than just features (what it does)
• Structuring persuasive and accessible applications
• Common reasons why proposals fail (an honest insight)

Workshop three: Persuasive Fellowship Presentations

Focus

The difference between a good presentation and a persuasive one is rarely more information. It's helping your audience understand, remember and believe in your vision. This practical session helps participants translate complex ideas into compelling messages that demonstrate leadership potential, originality and the value of their proposed research.

What participants will gain

• Increased confidence in delivering Fellowship presentations
• A clearer understanding of presentation structure and flow
• Greater ability to communicate research to mixed audiences
• Practical strategies for reducing jargon and improving clarity
• Tools for creating engaging and memorable presentations
• Confidence to strategically edit the content and present only what is needed

What we cover

• What makes Fellowship presentations effective and engaging
• Structuring presentations around problem, solution, action and impact
• Explaining research clearly to non-specialists
• Using stories, evidence and examples effectively
• Prioritising essential information and reducing overload
• Building confidence in presenting ideas authentically
• Strategies for responding effectively to questions and feedback

Workshop four: Successful Fellowship Interviews

Focus

By the time candidates reach interview, the panel already believes the research is promising. The interview is often about assessing the person behind the proposal and their potential to lead it successfully.

What participants will gain

• Greater confidence in preparing for Fellowship interviews
• Better understanding of common interview themes and questions
• Increased self-awareness around strengths and leadership potential
• Practical techniques for answering competency-based questions
• Stronger ability to communicate personal and professional ambition, values and impact

What we cover

• Preparing effectively before the interview
• Identifying and articulating strengths, achievements and leadership potential
• Communicating expertise, suitability and future potential
• Common Fellowship interview questions and how to approach them
• Using easy to remember frameworks to effectively answer the questions
• Discussing gaps in your career, setbacks and future plans authentically
• Building confidence under pressure

Format

• Four standalone, linked 2-hour workshops
• Delivered online or in person (on request)
• Suitable for doctoral training programmes, postdoctoral researchers and early career researchers

What you'll leave with

• A clearer understanding of Fellowship routes and what panels look for
• A stronger, more persuasive research proposal that reviewers can assess easily
• A Fellowship presentation built around problem, solution, action and impact
• Practical techniques for answering competency-based interview questions
• Confidence to communicate your potential, vision and leadership
• Honest, insider insight into what helps applications succeed

Frequently asked

Who is this programme for?

PhD researchers, postdoctoral researchers, early career researchers and research leaders preparing competitive Fellowship applications. It can be adapted for different career stages.

How is the programme structured?

It is a four-part series. Workshop one introduces Fellowships and what panels look for, workshop two develops your research proposal, workshop three builds a persuasive presentation, and workshop four prepares you for interview. Each session stands alone but they are designed to link together.

How long is each session?

Each of the four workshops runs for 2 hours.

Is it delivered online or in person?

Online via Zoom, with in-person delivery available on request.

How many people can take part?

I usually run it for cohorts of 6 or more, and it works well with larger groups and doctoral training programmes.