HOW TO WRITE A WINNING FWO PROJECT?

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1 HOW TO WRITE A WINNING FWO PROJECT? 16 December /03/12 pag. 1 A. E. Woodward

2 Einstein + Shakespeare = FWO Sucess 2/03/12 pag. 2

3 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 Funded by Flemish Community (73%), federal government and some private sources Member of ESF (now Science Europe) and other European scientific networks

The FWO became a separate Public Utility Foundation by Royal Decree of 20-1-2006.

4 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)

(856) (aspirantschaps approved at about 210 a year in all fields) Post docs (850)

5 Source: FWO Jaarboek 2010

6 Some application numbers Mandaat Apps 2009 Applications Aspirant (+20,7%) Aspirant hernieuwing (-3,90%) Bijzondere doctoraatsbeurs Klinische doctoraatsbeurs Postdoctoraal onderzoeker Postdoc onderzoeker - 1 ste en 2 de hern. Fundamenteel klinische mandaten Fundamenteel klinische mandaten hern. 5 6 (+20%) 9 10 (+11,11%) (+22,67%) (+6,25%) (+18,18%) 4 17 (+325%)

onderzoeker Postdoc onderzoeker - 1 ste en 2 de hern.

7 Source: FWO Jaarboek 2010

8 Know your judges: Before /03/12 pag. 8

9 Know your judges after 2010: Culture! 2/03/12 pag. 9

10 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)

11 2 Reporters per project AANVRAAG FWO MANDAAT - Aspirant Verslaggever - Reporter : WOODWARD Expertpanel Expert Panel : G&M4 Naam kandidaat Name of the applicant : Beoordeling Individu - Assessment of the applicant 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

Buitenlandse verblijven (meer dan 2 weken)/ Stays abroad Commentaar Comment Beoordeling Project - Assessment of the project Originaliteit Originality Haalbaarheid Feasibility Doelgerichtheid Focus of

12 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

project Good structure, well-written State of the art Feasible

13 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

originality and innovative nature of the project feasibility of the project purposefulness of the project quality

14 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

15 Projects Normal budget: 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

Maximally 2 projects can be submitted as (co-) promoter Absolutely crucial is publication

16 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

questions clear and situated, implications of research for wider questions Method: What will you do, why and when?

17 2/03/12 pag. 17 GOOD LUCK!

JPI Cultural Heritage and Global Change and FWO. March 8 th, 2012

JPI Cultural Heritage and Global Change and FWO March 8 th, 2012 1 dr. Olivier Boehme Senior Science Administrator olivier.boehme@fwo.be 2 Mission and key facts Mission of Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek