A home base for early career researchers in New Zealand (whether you've found funding for your research yet .. or not ..)
I'm Kristin - I am an early-to-mid career researcher and I know the research funding landscape in New Zealand is wild: a small, highly connected country with a fixed pool of funding, generating high stakes and even higher levels of competition, especially for early career researchers. To make matters more difficult, most early career researchers rely on 'soft funding' for their salary. Add in low wages, tight budgets and job insecurity on the table, and you have a recipe for a lot of stress. This is why it has always been bewildering why there weren't more concerted efforts to formally teach emerging researchers about the fundamentals of funding and grant applications. Some people are fortunate to be in labs or research groups that have a strong focus on funding training and applications, while others are trying to figure this out for themselves - which can be a slow and painful process.
I was fortunate to have studied for my PhD degree in a lab that focused on funding - and I recieved a lot of excellent mentoring in funding applications. I funded research, my postdoctoral fellowship, awards, travel and conference attendance through grants, and have since worked as a Funding Advisor and in Research Management. Now, I want to share my tips and resources with you.
What can you expect from this blog?
Information: I'll break down the grant application process, providing you with my thoughts around demystifying the intricacies of New Zealand's funding for early career researchers.
Insider Tips: Learn from what to do (and what not to do) from someone who has been in your shoes.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow early career researchers. Build a support network that will elevate your research career.
Inspiration: Read about ways to elevate your funding approach and how to sell yourself and your work. Let yourself dream big and aim high.
So - now what?
Together, we're going to explore the grant funding landscape and work toward making your research funding hopes and dreams come to life. Whether you're a scientist, a sociologist, a speech therapist, an engineer, or a visionary in any other field (I see you artists!), your contributions matter.
Stay curious, stay inspired, and stay connected. Feel free to stay tuned to my blog for up and coming insights, and don't hesitate to send me a message if you have questions, ideas, or stories to share.
Here's to a future full of groundbreaking discoveries, funding confidence and some well needed peace of mind. Welcome aboard!
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