Funding options

I have recently had my contract extended again, meaning I have another year as a post-doctoral researcher.¹ Academia is a curious institution in which funding needs to be thought out well in advance. It takes so long for contracts and agreements to be put into place, so it is good to always be looking 3-12 months in advance.

I have previously written about applying for a DECRA. One of the rules is that you can only apply twice in your career, so I have one shot left - one I intend to take in the next round (where I will also be coming up to 5 years post-PhD).

I am also looking at my other options, and thought it would be worthwhile compiling a list and briefly describing each scheme.

1. DECRA - Discovery Early Career Researcher Award
   Three years of independent funding from the Australian government, with the salary topped up by the host institution. Success rates are reasonable (18.7% in 2022 for the physical sciences), and generally increases with time post-PhD.

2. Humboldt Research Fellowship
   A 6-24 month stay in Germany, with travel and a living stipend paid by the German government (the DAAD). Requires a host supervisor (not just institute) who provides the laboratory space. Applications are open year round, but they get judged in March, July, and November.

3. Marie-Curie Fellowship
   European postdoctoral fellowships: One to two years of funding to carry out research at a host institution, with a host supervisor, within Europe (not the UK, thanks to Brexit). The 2023 round is currently open and closes 13/09/2023.

4. JST-Mirai Program
   Small start-up type funding to investigate an idea to the proof-of-concept stage, at a host institute in Japan.

5. KAUST
   Only on my radar because of some spruiking by a researcher who gave a talk at Usyd. Seems to be some funding available, but not really postdoctoral funding so much as student stipends and independent faculty.

6. The Wellcome Trust
   Early career funding scheme. Requires a host institute in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (apart from India and mainland China). Up to five years of funding available. Applications due 05/10/2023.

7. Westpac
   From three up to five years of funding (including salary), as well as a networking and professional development opportunity. Very competitive (two fellowships awarded each year), able to apply twice in career, early career requirement (currently need to have been awarded PhD between 01/09/2017 and 01/09/2020. Applications open 05/07/2023 and close 04/09/2023.

It is all a bit overwhelming when taken together. Each of these schemes (and this is just a selection of what is available) have fairly lengthly application processes, and low success rates. However, the application process does force me to really consider my career so far, my strengths and weaknesses, and to think about potential research projects. Even an unsuccessful application has provided an opportunity to reflect and improve.

One thing I have realised in looking at these schemes is that the best way to provide evidence of academic ability is to have a strong publication record. While I have some time in my current role, my focus is on wrapping up projects to publish.