What the scheme offers
The scheme offers valuable experience that is an integral part of building a successful research career.
Benefits include:
- increasing insight into best practice in biomedical research
- enhanced understanding of how we make funding decisions and ensure we fund the best quality science
- developing awareness of strategic considerations of funding and requirements for publicly funded research
- gaining insight into the qualities of successful applications to help improve future grant submissions and competitiveness in the application process
- using your expertise to contribute towards research funding decisions
- receiving mentorship and training
- developing skills as expert reviewers
- building networks with peers
What you’ll be doing
Throughout the scheme, associates are supported through a programme designed to build understanding and capability in research funding processes.
Key components include the following.
Training and induction
You will attend a one-day induction event in January or February 2026. This session will provide an overview of the scheme, opportunities to network with other associates and board and panel members, and a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities.
Mentorship and peer support
You will be assigned a mentor who is an experienced member of a funding board or panel, as well as paired with a fellow associate as a ‘buddy’ for peer support throughout the programme.
Understanding the assessment process
You will receive detailed briefings on how the grant assessment process works at the MRC, including the stages of application review and the importance of expert input.
Meeting participation
Throughout your tenure, you will attend all board or panel meetings associated with your assigned group, typically two to three per year. Initially, you will participate as an observer to gain insight into the discussions and decision-making process.
As your experience grows, you will begin to contribute to these meetings, in consultation with your mentor, the chair, and programme leads. The timing of your active participation will be tailored to your readiness and engagement.
Observation and learning
You will observe one shortlisting or stage 1 meeting, depending on your assigned board or panel. This will help you understand demand management and the criteria for progressing applications through the review process.
Skills development
Training will be provided to help you learn how to assess applications at various stages, evaluate expert reviews, and understand what constitutes a good expert review. You’ll also work closely with your mentor to deepen your insight into effective evaluation practices.
Feedback and reflection
Throughout the scheme, you will be encouraged to provide and receive feedback to enhance your learning and improve your understanding of expert review and funding decision-making.
Networking opportunities
The scheme also offers the opportunity to informally network with regular and associate board and panel members across all MRC boards and panels.
At the end of the two years, we hope the scheme will have supported you to feel more confident in applying become a panellist, for the MRC or otherwise.
