Assessment criteria for MRC fellowships
There are three stages to the assessment process:
- External peer review
- Shortlisting
- Interview
The referees and interview panel members are asked to consider the:
- Standing and potential of the person
- Suitability and scientific merit of the research project
- Excellence of the place where the research will be based
Where pre-to-postdoctoral fellowships incorporate doctoral research training, interview panels will additionally draw on the assessment criteria for studentships
Summary of MRC fellowship assessment criteria
The applicant |
Senior |
Intermediate |
Pre- to post-doctoral |
Has the applicant demonstrated their independence as a research scientist? |
n/a |
X |
X |
Has the applicant demonstrated their potential as a high-calibre researcher? |
X |
X |
X |
Does the applicant have the ability to carry out the proposed project work? |
X |
X |
X |
Has the applicant shown that they can effectively lead a research team? |
X |
X |
X |
Does the applicant show significant potential of becoming a leader in their field |
X |
n/a |
n/a |
The project |
|
|
|
Is the proposed project of high scientific merit (taking into account overall quality, originality, and importance – both in terms of the likelihood of scientific advance and of increasing knowledge relevant to improving health) |
X |
X |
X |
Is the overall approach convincing, coherent and effective? Is the methodology appropriate? |
X |
X |
X |
Is it achievable within the timescale and resources, taking into account clinical commitments where appropriate? |
X |
X |
X |
Is there a clear training element? How will this benefit the applicant, and will the work enable them to become independent? |
n/a |
X |
X |
The place |
|||
The standing of the proposed centre in the field |
X |
X |
X |
Is the centre an appropriate one for the proposed project and career goals of the applicant? |
X |
X |
X |
What is the quality of training that the applicant would be likely to receive there? |
n/a |
n/a |
X |
Where there is an overseas/industrial training component, is the proposed period appropriate and justified? How will the applicant benefit? The standing of the proposed centre in the field? |
n/a |
X |
X |