Know Your Funder – Medical Research Council (MRC) ‘Supporting research careers: MRC fellowships, opportunities and beyond’

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from senior representatives of the Medical Research Council (MRC) and gain valuable insight into its career development and funding opportunities.

The title of the talk is ‘Supporting research careers: MRC fellowships, opportunities and beyond’ and will provide information about:

• The MRC offer
• The various programmes for career stages and different clinical professions
• Tips on what makes a good application, how they are assessed and the interview process

There will also be the opportunity to ask questions at the end.

Confirmed speakers are:

Dr Joanna Robinson, Associate Director, Research Talent, Skills and Careers – MRC Training and Careers Strategy Lead

• As Director of Research Talent, Skills and Careers, Joanna oversees the MRC’s priorities and investments to strengthen the UK biomedical research workforce. Since joined MRC in 2011, she has held a range of roles spanning population and systems medicine, strategic projects, neurosciences and mental health, and research talent, bringing extensive experience in research strategy, funding and partnership development.

Dr David Pan, Head of Programme – Operational Oversight of MRC Career Funding Opportunities.

• David obtained his PhD from the Dept of Medicine (Endocrinology) at the University of Sydney in Australia and spent several years in academic research in the United States and UK, followed by work in drug discovery in the biotech industry.  He joined the Medical Research Council in 2012 and has had responsibility for portfolios including regenerative medicine, global health, mental health and COVID. Currently as Head of Programme for Training and Careers his responsibilities include operational oversight of MRC’s career funding opportunities and strategic programmes

Dr Nicola Faramarzi, Programme Manager for Clinical Careers – MRC lead for UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) Scheme and Clinical Research Training Fellowships Lead

• Nicola obtained her PhD in Molecular Oncology at the University of Westminster (London) before spending several years in scientific publishing spanning roles across research integrity and strategic development. She joined the Medical Research Council in 2024 as Programme Manager in the Training and Careers team, overseeing the clinical fellowships portfolio, including MRC supported UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) and the Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers pilot.

Register for the in-person event here.