RDM Intermediate Fellowship Framework

What are intermediate fellowships?

Intermediate fellowships support researchers to start their independent research programme and group (e.g. UKRI Future Leader Fellowship, MRC Career Development Award, Wellcome Career Development Award, CRUK Career Development Fellowship, BHF Intermediate Basic Science Fellowship, ERC Starting grant).

How will the Department support me?

RDM is committed to supporting people throughout the fellowship life-cycle by:

• Supporting researchers to apply for intermediate fellowships
• Supporting Intermediate Fellows during their fellowships by providing a mid-point progress review
• Supporting Fellows (a) to transition to more senior positions, or (b) in pursuing other career goals at the end of their fellowship

Applying for intermediate fellowships

If you want to apply for an intermediate fellowship to pursue an academic career in RDM, you should submit an expression of interest for review by RDM's Academic Career Panel. There are three deadlines each year. You should submit your EoI at least 3 months before the funder's deadline.

Mid-point intermediate fellowship review

All Intermediate Fellows will be provided with a review at the mid-point of their fellowship, or at least two years before the end of the fellowship.

The review will be an opportunity to provide feedback and mentoring, and to identify areas for targeted support to help all Fellows maximise their career potential, whether it be within the Department, in another research organisation or in other career paths.

The review will assess (appropriate to the field of research, career path and stage) the Fellow's:

• Contribution to knowledge: Measured by the quality, impact and track record of the Fellow's research outputs (publications, grants, patents, invited lectures, awards, honours, etc.) and grant funding.
• Contribution to the development of others: Measured by leadership and commitment to teaching, supervising graduate students, mentoring postdocs, and supporting staff development.
• Contribution to the research community: Locally (e.g. departmental committees, peer review activity, EDI initiatives) and globally (e.g. reviewing grants/papers, advisory roles).
• Contribution to broader society: Including public engagement, PPIE, and policy involvement.
• Continuing professional development: Evidenced through training and development activities.

The review will also assess:

• Whether the Fellow’s needs are being met, and address any unmet needs or obstacles.
• The Fellow’s future plans and alignment to RDM’s strategic priorities.
• The review panel will include two members of the Academic Career Panel, the Fellow’s Head of Division, and two external subject matter experts.

Preparation for the mid-point progress review

Prior to the meeting, the Fellow will provide an up-to-date CV and a completed mid-point progress review template which includes:

• A summary of progress on their current fellowship
• Track record of research outputs, grant funding, teaching/supervision, citizenship, and public engagement/PPIE activities
• A learning and development log
• Details of future plans

The mid-point review meeting will normally be held in person and last approximately 90 minutes:

• The Fellow will give a 30-minute presentation on their progress
• 60 minutes will be dedicated to discussion between the Fellow and the panel
• The panel will then meet separately to summarise conclusions, feedback, and recommendations

The Fellow will receive written feedback after the meeting, including any recommendations for further action.

Support for an academic career in RDM

If the review identifies that the Fellow is on a trajectory to become an internationally recognised research leader in RDM, and this is their preferred career path, the Department will:

• Offer the Fellow an externally funded open-ended contract as soon as possible after the review
• Guarantee a transition fellowship (if required) of up to two years at the end of their intermediate fellowship to support applications for a senior fellowship. This would cover the Fellow's salary only.

If the review finds that the Fellow is not yet on that trajectory but may be within 6–12 months, the Fellow may return to the Academic Career Panel within that timeframe for further review.

Support for other career options

Not all Fellows will want, or be able, to pursue an academic career in RDM. The mid-point review also provides an opportunity to discuss other career options — within the Department, in other research organisations, or in other sectors.

The review supports constructive discussion about the suitability and feasibility of the Fellow’s chosen career path, including the likelihood of long-term departmental support. It provides feedback and identifies areas for targeted support to maximise the Fellow’s career potential in other pathways.