Narrative CVs: How to make your Fellowship application stand out

Why we want your narrative CV 

We introduced a narrative CV section to our fellowship and career development grant application forms to give our applicants the opportunity to present their stories and go beyond traditional academic metrics.  

“Narrative CVs are becoming more common across all the research funders. It allows you to put yourself in a context that a very rigid application form with boxes doesn’t really allow”

 – Professor Terry Quinn

Professor Gill Livingston (Chair), Professor David Llewellyn and Professor Terry Quinn – members of our Grant Advisory Board – shared key insights into what they are looking for in this section. Here are the standout points to help you craft a compelling application. 

Tell us about your journey

The main thing we want from your narrative CV is for you to tell us your story. We want to know what you’ve done in the past, where you want to go in the future, and how you want to grow.  

Your career is about so much more than the papers you publish. While we want to hear about that, we also want to hear about where your career has taken you – your achievements, projects you’ve been involved in, funding you’ve secured, talks you’ve given, and any students or other researchers you’ve mentored. 

“We want to know what you’ve done to develop others, because one of the big things that leaders have to do is to bring forward other people and to be generous and helpful in their contributions” - Professor Gill Livingston 

If you’ve had career interruptions, say so explicitly. Reviewers are open to varied career paths and just want to understand your journey. 

“It’s fine to acknowledge that we’ve all got other things going on in our lives. You might have had things like career interruptions. Don’t be apologetic if that has happened to you. Just explain what’s happened. Don’t feel the need to over explain” - Professor David Llewellyn

– Professor David Llewellyn

Also, if you’re transitioning into dementia research from another field, explain how your previous work is relevant. 

Show a clear development plan  

Our fellowships are all about giving you the funding to develop yourself, as well as your research, so tell us how you plan to do that. 

A strong application will demonstrate a clear, personalised training plan. Avoid generic statements about attending standard university courses. Instead, craft a plan that is tailored to your career ambitions. 

What new skills will you acquire for your project? What broader skills will you need for your future as a research leader? Who have you spoken to for guidance, and how has this shaped your plan? 

“We want to know what training you’re going to do and what you’re going to learn … both in particular skills in your project, but also transferable skills that you’re going to need in the future.” 

 – Professor Gill Livingston 

The right environment matters 

Your success isn’t just about you – it’s also about where you are and who is supporting you. 

• Tell us about your institution: Do they have a strong track record of developing researchers?
• Show evidence of mentorship: How will your supervisors help you grow?
• Explain why your environment is right for you and your research.

In the past, we used to talk a lot about research mobility - the perception that you had to move around different universities and/or internationally to be a good researcher. It’s nonsense. You can use this section to explain why you are where you are, why you’re staying there.

Don’t be modest – Show us your ambition 

A fellowship is about potential.  We don’t expect you to be there yet. That’s the point of a fellowship. A fellowship is a way of developing yourself.

Our reviewers want to see that you have big aspirations, ambition is important in research.

We’re looking for researchers with vision, passion, and the drive to change the future of dementia research. 

• Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
• What impact do you want to have on dementia research?
• How will this fellowship help you become a leader in the field?

Final thoughts 

Professor David Llewellyn put it best: “I’m a sucker for a great story.”   

Be clear, concise, and avoid vague statements, and use evidence to back up your claims. Also getting feedback from mentors or colleagues can really help to ensure you strike the right balance. 

Take the time to craft your narrative, be ambitious, and make sure it truly reflects your potential. We can’t wait to hear your story!