ESRC New Investigator Guide for Researchers
Download a PDF version of the ESRC New Investigator Guide for Researchers
| Aims of the Scheme | - Remember that the core goal of the scheme is for applicants to become independent researchers through gaining experience of managing and leading research projects and teams.
- The projects are expected to include line management- unless you are able to evidence your existing experience in this area.
- The project needs to include a professional development programme for you and your staff.
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| Organization and formatting | - You can log in to the portal at any time by clicking “apply”. Test your access to the portal, look at various sections required.
- Draft your application using the questions available on the call website. You will find detailed guidance pertaining to each question under the “How to apply” tab.
- Remember to address all the bullet points, including, for example, risks. References should be included in a separate section (1000 words).
- Subheadings are a useful tool for organising the content of the proposal and leading the reviewers through the text. They enhance readability.
- Consider using a Gantt chart or another visual model to represent the project timeline. It is very effective.
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| Writing | - Do not use too much space for the literature review. Focus on clearly setting out the project plan and implementation.
- Use active language to help sell the project. Saying what you will do, rather than what you hope/would like to do, is an effective way of instilling confidence in the reviewer.
- Show your excitement and passion for your project- do not be afraid to write in the first person.
- Explain to the reviewer why it’s important, why you are the right person to lead this project and how you are going to do this.
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| Notes on various sections | - Vision: this is the “sales pitch”. Explain why the project is important and timely.
- Approach: This is the “how” of the project. Set out clear objectives, methods, outputs. Provide as many details as possible. For example:
- If you are creating a project website - who is going to manage it, who is the intended user, how long is the website going to operate.
- If you are doing archival research: What archives, what documents you expect to find there, how long will the visit last, what is the contingency plan if you don’t find what you expect?
- Applicant and team capability to deliver: Use the template provided. Clearly link your past skills and experience to the current project. More resources can be found here.
- Data management and sharing: You can have your data management plan reviewed by the University DMP Support Service.
- Resources and cost justification: do not try to make the project “cheap”. Ensure you have the resources needed to deliver the project. The reviewers are assessing feasibility.
- Mentor support: Instruct your mentor how to write a tailored statement. This is not a generic letter of support. A concrete support programme is expected.
- Project Partners: Discuss the difference between a “Project Partner” and a “Collaborator” with your RGA. Ensure you have enough time to obtain support letters from Project Partners.
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| General Tips | - Get as much feedback as possible on your application, from:
- Your mentor, other senior colleagues in your field , colleagues with experience of the scheme, non-specialists – is anything unclear?
- Give yourself at least two months to put together an application. Remember internal institutional deadlines.
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*updated June 2024
