Overview
The ECR Fellowship programme is designed to support early career researchers in developing independent research projects within a structured, collaborative framework.
The process combines:
- staged application and review
- structured peer and committee assessment
- clear governance and decision-making
- ongoing support for successful fellows
DISCLAIMER
This document is provided as an example of the processes used to deliver an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Fellowship programme within the Mental Health Platform.
It is intended for guidance and illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as a complete or current statement of operational procedure. Procedures, timelines, governance arrangements, and responsibilities should be adapted to relevant institutional, legal, regulatory, and funding requirements. Where applicable, the relevant internal SOPs, policies, and funder requirements take precedence.
Programme structure
The programme is delivered in four main stages.
The process begins with an open call inviting prospective applicants to submit an initial expression of interest.
This stage is used to:
- assess basic eligibility
- ensure alignment with programme goals
- connect candidates with relevant partners or thematic areas
Early engagement helps streamline the full application stage and improves the quality of submissions.
Eligible candidates are invited to submit a full application.
At this stage:
- applications are checked for completeness and eligibility
- all required documents are collected and verified
- applicant information is recorded and tracked
Only applications that meet the defined criteria proceed to review.
Applications undergo a structured review process combining:
- Peer review from independent experts
- Committee review for scoring and discussion
- PPIE input to ensure relevance and inclusivity
Applications are scored against defined criteria, including:
- research quality
- feasibility
- applicant track record
- inclusion and engagement
A shortlist of candidates is selected for interview.
Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview, where they:
- present their proposed research
- respond to questions from the interview panel
Following the interviews:
- applications are scored and ranked
- final funding decisions are made
- feedback is provided to applicants
Successful candidates receive structured support after award, including:
- onboarding and integration into the programme
- access to networks, training, and mentoring
- ongoing monitoring and engagement
These activities are designed to maximise the impact of the fellowship and support long-term development.
Using the toolkit
The downloadable toolkit provides all materials needed to implement this process, including:
- application forms and guidance
- review and scoring templates
- committee documentation
- communication templates
You can adapt these resources to your own organisational context, timelines, and governance requirements.