This is a fictitious funding call for the Writing a Narrative CV workshop. Use the guidelines below to draft your own narrative CV. What examples could you include in each module that reflect the priorities of this funding body? Remember: you can include non-academic examples, e.g. voluntary work.

💡 For inspiration, take a look at this sample CV.

The Research Accessibility and Innovation Fund

Funder: Science & Technology Research Council (STRC)

Award amount: £50,000 - £100,000

Duration: 12-24 months

Eligibility: Researchers at any career stage working in STEM fields at UK institutions

Purpose

The Research Accessibility and Innovation Fund supports projects that democratise access to advanced research methods, tools, and data while fostering inclusive research practices. We particularly welcome projects that:

  • Develop tools or resources that make advanced methods accessible to under-resourced researchers or communities.
  • Address technical, resource, or knowledge barriers that create inequalities in research capacity.
  • Create innovative training or infrastructure that enables broader participation in research.
  • Build sustainable collaborations across institutions, sectors, or disciplines.
  • Produce open-access outputs that benefit the wider research community.

What we’re looking for

We seek researchers who can demonstrate:

  • Commitment to accessibility: Evidence of developing solutions that reduce barriers to participation in research.
  • Inclusive practice: Track record of supporting researchers from diverse backgrounds and career stages.
  • Methodological innovation: Creative approaches to making complex methods, tools, or data more accessible.
  • Sustainable impact: Plans for maintaining resources and relationships beyond the funding period.
  • Cross-context communication: Ability to work across disciplines, sectors, and with diverse stakeholders.

Priority areas (2025-2026)

We are particularly interested in projects addressing:

  • Open science tools and infrastructure.
  • Training resources for emerging research methods.
  • Data sharing and accessibility.
  • Inclusive research environments and practices.
  • Public engagement with complex scientific topics.

Application requirements

Applications must include:

  • Project proposal (maximum 2,000 words)
  • Narrative CV (maximum 2,000 words covering the four R4RI modules)
  • Letters of support from partner organisations (where applicable)
  • Budget and timeline

Assessment criteria

Your narrative CV will be assessed on:

  • Relevant technical expertise and research experience.
  • Track record of developing accessible tools, resources, or training.
  • Commitment to inclusive and equitable research practices.
  • Contribution to building research community capacity.
  • Ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.