Program Overview

Introduction to Birkbeck Mentors Supporting Postdoctoral Fellowships

Birkbeck is committed to supporting high-quality applications from early-career researchers, both from within the institution and from external applicants who wish to apply via Birkbeck.

Eligibility and Application Process

All applications for postdoctoral fellowships hosted at Birkbeck require the support of a member of Birkbeck's academic staff, who will act as a mentor during the application process and once the fellowship is awarded.

Mentor's Responsibilities

The mentor is expected to provide support and feedback to the applicant to help them write the best fellowship application possible. Most applicants will have little or no experience in writing a research proposal, and the mentor's guidance is crucial in this process. The mentor will also need to ensure that the application is peer-reviewed in accordance with their school's normal policies.

Institutional Approval

All applications for postdoctoral fellowships require institutional approval. Since the applicants are not members of the academic staff, they will not be able to access the necessary systems for submission. Therefore, the mentor will need to work with the Research Office and the applicant to ensure that the proposal is not submitted until the institutional approval process is completed.

Program Requirements

• The applicant must have the support of a Birkbeck academic staff member as a mentor.
• The application must be peer-reviewed according to the school's policies.
• Institutional approval is required for all postdoctoral fellowship applications.
  • The mentor and the Research Office must ensure the proposal is not submitted until the approval process is completed.
• The mentor will provide support and feedback to the applicant in writing the research proposal.