Narrative CVs are being adopted by many funders, nationally and internationally, to give researchers the opportunity to showcase a wider range of skills and experience than is possible in a traditional academic CV.

It is estimated that half of UK funders are now using this format, for at least some funding calls: you might encounter it as the UKRI Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI) or within the ‘research contribution’ sections of Wellcome Trust applications. Narrative CVs are also being piloted by some institutions for other uses such as recruitment and promotion.

Writing a narrative CV requires a different way of thinking about and describing your skills, experience and contributions to research and innovation compared to a traditional CV. Writing your first narrative CV will take some time and effort, so it pays to start preparing early. You might not be sure about what activities to include, and how to describe their quality, relevance, and your involvement in them.

This online presentation will try to demystify and simplify the process of narrative CV by providing advice, prompts and suggestions for how to write one. Information will be shared on the rationale of funders for using this new format, explore how to translate your experience into the required structure, and signpost resources available for creating your own drafts.

A follow-up in-person workshop to write narrative CVs is planned for Michaelmas Term 2023.

This session is particularly focused towards research staff. DPhil students considering funding applications are welcome.

Presentation led by:

Mary Muers, Research Culture Facilitator, Medical Sciences Division Research Strategy and Funding Team
Tanita Casci, Director of the Research Strategy & Policy Unit, Research Services