As I’m scoring fellowships I have some suggestions for those writing one, now or in the future:

1- Make it easy for the reader to find the info we need. Use headings, separate types of presentations (oral/poster/presenter/invited) and papers (first author or not)

2-Give the info that was asked in a succinct manner. No need to write hundreds of words just because you are allowed to.

If they ask you to list your top 5 papers/awards/presentations but you have 3 don’t make up stuff that is not relevant

We can see through that https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🤨" title="Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue" aria-label="Emoji: Gesicht mit hochgezogener Augenbraue">

3- Under publications, don’t add things that are not publications to increase numbers (eg conference abstract - in my opinion that’s not a paper). For me, this immediately raises a red flag https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🚩" title="Dreieckige Fahne an einem Pfosten" aria-label="Emoji: Dreieckige Fahne an einem Pfosten"> and makes me wonder what else might be hidden in the application

4- Avoid the use of jargon and unknown abbreviations. Nobody is across all fields even within their broader field. Spell check. Read @DrShaneRRR’s blog with great advice on how to improve your writing https://medium.com/@DrShaneRRR/scientists-10-steps-to-help-you-get-you-next-grant-14f6722d03ff">https://medium.com/@DrShaneR...

5-Start early and get plenty feedback from colleagues, supervisors and mentors. Importantly, ask for what type of feedback you want from each person: spell check, is it a robust study design, does the background make sense, are conclusions appropriate...?

6-There are things that you can’t change such as number of papers or presentations. But the writing can make a huge difference! Applications that are easy to follow, give me the info I’m looking for & don’t waste my time make me feel smart https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😆" title="Lächelndes Gesicht mit geöffnetem Mund und fest verschlossenen Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Lächelndes Gesicht mit geöffnetem Mund und fest verschlossenen Augen"> & are likely to improve your score https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😉" title="Zwinkerndes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Zwinkerndes Gesicht">

7- Preparing early also includes thinking ahead about career options. This is something you should be doing with your supervisors and mentors regularly. Unfortunately science is a very competitive sector, but it’s one that takes time.

Plan in advance 1/

7b- It takes time to produce, write & publish high quality research, plus tick all other boxes - expectations are high for a ‘complete package’ also in terms of awards & community contribution

Track records are not built overnight