The Epilepsy Research Institute is pleased to offer two Early Career Researcher Observer positions on our Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) as part of this year’s grant round. This initiative provides early career researchers (ECRs) with the chance to observe SAC meetings throughout the grant awarding process, offering valuable insights into the research funding landscape.
The Institute’s Scientific Advisory Committee is a panel of the UK’s leading neurologists, neuroscientists and epilepsy researchers. The committee oversees the annual research grant funding process and makes funding recommendations to our Board of Trustees. Full membership of the SAC can be found on our website.
The goal of the Early Career Researcher Observer scheme is to enhance understanding of what funding committees prioritise and, ultimately, to support them in strengthening their future grant applications. We first piloted the scheme in our 2024-25 grant round, and the researchers involved reported that they found it particularly insightful and educational.
“It was incredibly valuable to see how funding decisions are made: what makes a proposal stand out, how scientific merit is weighed against impact and feasibility, and how discussion unfolds around strengths and weaknesses. It was eye-opening to see the thoughtfulness and rigour that went into each decision. The meetings were collegial and constructive, and left me with a deeper appreciation for how the committee supports the epilepsy research community.”
Dr Sana Hannan, Lecturer in Neuroscience at Lancaster University.
We are able to offer two observation spots in our 2025-26 Grant Round. These will be open to ECRs at any stage, whether within the first three years post-PhD or transitioning to research independence. We define an early career researcher as someone who is no more than eight active research years (full time or part-time equivalent) following completion of their doctoral studies.
Priority will be given to researchers from:
- Institutions with limited expertise or resources in epilepsy research, and/or
- Groups that are underrepresented in epilepsy research.
“The Epilepsy Research Institute is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we want to play an active role in making the research landscape more diverse. Through this scheme we hope to offer Early Career Researchers from underrepresented backgrounds and Institutions the support to become the epilepsy research leaders of the future.”
Annee Amjad, Head of Research & Involvement
Please note, if you are applying for funding from the Epilepsy Research Institute in the 2025-26 grant round, you are not eligible to join the SAC as an observer.
To apply, please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a completed Application Form and a signed Conflicts of Interest form to [email protected] by Monday 29 September 2025.