HOW TO WRITE A WINNING FWO PROJECT? 16 December 2011 2/03/12 | pag. 1 A. E. Woodward Einstein + Shakespeare = FWO Sucess 2/03/12 | pag. 2 The major financer of fundamental social science research Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek – Vlaanderen” (FWO) or Research Foundation Flanders. The FWO became a separate Public Utility Foundation by Royal Decree of 20-1-2006. Funded by Flemish Community (73%), federal government and some private sources – Member of ESF (now Science Europe) and other European scientific networks What’s in it for us? • Individual researchers (Mandates 42% of budget) Deadline February 1 – Doctoral fellowships (856) (aspirantschaps approved at about 210 a year in all fields) – Post docs (850) sabbaticals, prizes – Mobility- study visits, congresses • Research projects (52% of budget) Deadline April 1 – Credits for equipment and research costs – Projects (Figures Jaarboek 2010) Source: FWO Jaarboek 2010 Some application numbers • Mandaat Apps 2009 Applications 2010-2011 Aspirant 826 997 (+20,7%) Aspirant hernieuwing 205 197 (-3,90%) Bijzondere doctoraatsbeurs 5 6 (+20%) Klinische doctoraatsbeurs 9 10 (+11,11%) Postdoctoraal onderzoeker 600 736 (+22,67%) Postdoc onderzoeker - 1ste en 2de hern. 128 136 (+6,25%) Fundamenteel klinische mandaten 22 26 (+18,18%) Fundamenteel klinische mandaten hern. 4 17 (+325%) Source: FWO Jaarboek 2010 Know your judges: Before 2010 2/03/12 | pag. 8 Know your judges after 2010: Culture! 2/03/12 | pag. 9 Decision making in 29 Commissions (Expert Panels) • • • • • 2 meetings annually May and September Open recruitment to panels International – English language 9 non-Flemish, 7 Flemish Targets (2/3, Disciplines) 2 Reporters per project AANVRAAG FWO MANDAAT - Aspirant Verslaggever - Reporter : WOODWARD Expertpanel – Expert Panel : G&M4 applicant : Beoordeling Individu - Assessment of the applicant Naam kandidaat – Name of the Studie results Wetenschappelijke zelfstandigheid Scientific Independence Onderzoeksbekwaamheid en- potentieel Research potential Referenten /References Publicaties /Publications Buitenlandse verblijven (meer dan 2 weken)/ Stays abroad Commentaar Comment Beoordeling Project - Assessment of the project Originaliteit Originality Haalbaarheid Feasibility Doelgerichtheid Focus of the project Methodologie Methodology Omkadering en begeleiding Quality of supervision and guidance Commentaar Comment Rangschikking - Ranking : A+ A A- B+ B B- C D Niet gerangschikt - Not classified Different scores are used to facilitate the ranking of the applicants compared with each other A: Good quality of the applicant and the project B: Good quality of the applicant and the project, but with minor remarks C: Good quality of the applicant and the project, with major remarks Einstein: Elements in good applications • The candidate researcher – Track record – Publications with impact factor • The project – Good structure, well-written – State of the art – Feasible • The recommendations: Top • For individuals: personal qualities of excellence Pre-Docs (Aspiranten) • 5 years after Masters (10 years after first master) - 2 chances Criteria • • • • • • • research capability and potential (including course results) research skills and methodology scientific independence originality and innovative nature of the project feasibility of the project purposefulness of the project quality of coaching and assistance • THINK ABOUT THESE WHEN WRITING PERSONAL MOTIVATION! • ANY EVIDENCE OF PUBLICATIONS OR WRITING IS USEFUL • Post-Doc Researchers • 6 years after doctorate- (pregnancy counts for a year break)-only 2 chances Criteria • • • • • • • • research capability and potential (including course results) research skills and methodology scientific background (and production) of the candidate scientific independence (beyond the doctorate!) originality and innovative nature of the project mobility of the applicant feasibility of the project purposefulness of the project 10 referees—not affiliated with Belgium, more than three years since you worked together Personal motivation statement Projects • Normal budget: 240-280.000 Euro over 4 years • (1 full time researcher or 2 (slightly less) student fellowships • Maximally 2 projects can be submitted as (co-) promoter • Absolutely crucial is publication record of promoter and participants: Report publications formally using FWO format including impact factor, no artificial inflation • Good referee reports Shakespeare: Communication Tips • Great title! • Strong abstract and attention grabbing first paragraph including key question • State of the art: short, essentials • Research questions clear and situated, implications of research for wider questions • Method: What will you do, why and when? Hyperdetailed discussion of what will be done- schematic time plan is useful- stages which should be realistic • Use good layout and sub-titles, a readable font • Emphasize fundamental science rather than practical use GOOD LUCK! 2/03/12 | pag. 17
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