Please can you tell us about your MRC and Epilepsy Research Institute Clinical Research Training Fellowship (CRTF) and what inspired you to apply?
I’m fascinated by how the brain develops in embryos, and how conditions like epilepsy could arise when this process is disrupted. My CRTF explores one very specific example of this, focusing on how DNA is stored in three dimensions. I’ve hypothesised that when DNA is misfolded, it can impact how the brain develops and in turn the neurons formed in the adult brain. This could ultimately affect how electrical activity is controlled in the brain and, if significantly altered, may contribute to epilepsy.
I was inspired to apply to the CRTF for a variety of reasons, but one that really stood out was that it was a unique opportunity to delve deeply into my topic of interest through a PhD. There will be no other points during my clinical training (or practice) where it’s possible to dedicate so much time for research like this, so it seemed like too good of an opportunity to miss!
What was involved in the MRC grant application process, and how did you find the experience?
It was definitely challenging but also a hugely rewarding and positive experience. The process began with finding the right supervisors and identifying a novel research question. This involved identifying areas of unmet clinical need and reviewing literature to see what was already known. Next, working closely with my supervisors, I designed experiments that could effectively test my hypothesis. Once I had the foundations of a project in place, the rest was about refining it —revisiting the draft, gathering feedback, and having countless discussions with mentors and peers. Although my project evolved significantly following these conversations, it was constantly being improved.
When the project was finally submitted, it was then reviewed anonymously by neuroscience experts. I was fortunate enough to then be invited to interview in front of a panel of distinguished (yet friendly!) clinician scientists. A week later, I was thrilled to receive the offer of funding.
Do you have any top tips for researchers considering applying this year?
Give yourself enough time to build the strongest possible application —especially as there is a limit on how many applications you can make to the MRC CRTF. I postponed my own application to undertake a year-long fellowship, which allowed me to gather pilot data that helped strengthen my application.
Think through every possible aspect of your project and address any weaknesses you can think of, then repeat. Do you have the necessary skills to complete your project —or a plan to acquire them? Do you have mentors? Does your proposed place of work have the equipment you need to carry out the proposed work? These are all questions that naturally come up through redrafting and speaking with as many experts as possible, but I found there was always something else to consider and think about.
As a co-funded fellow, you’re also part of the Epilepsy Research Institute—what’s it been like to be involved with the Institute?
If you have an epilepsy research project in mind, I thoroughly recommend applying to be co-funded by the Epilepsy Research Institute. Being part of the Institute has given me access to opportunities and knowledge I wouldn’t have found elsewhere.
It’s also helped me to think more holistically about my own career as a clinical academic. For example, I’ve had numerous academic opportunities to meet like-minded researchers and learn about other areas of epilepsy research at conferences and seminar programmes. The Institute has enabled me to start raising my own profile by sharing my work on their website. I’ve also discovered tools and resources to support future funding applications, including access to epilepsy-focused patient research groups for PPI (patient and public involvement) aspects of grant applications.
