Grant rejection is part of every researcher’s journey — and it never stops, no matter your career stage. In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Fiona McLean (Alzheimer’s Research UK Fellow at the University of Dundee, studying links between metabolic syndrome, learning and memory) speaks with:
- Dr Sarah Marzi — Senior Lecturer at King’s College London and UK DRI group leader, researching the epigenome in neurodegenerative diseases.
- Dr Kate Harris — Research Fellow at Newcastle University, soon to be Senior Lecturer, specialising in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly — UK DRI Future Leader Fellow and group leader at Cardiff University, focusing on synaptic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.
Together they share personal experiences of failed applications, from crushing first rejections to the resilience that comes with time, blending honest stories with practical strategies.
In this episode:
- First-hand stories of fellowship and project grant rejections
- How to use reviewer feedback — even when it’s unhelpful
- Why writing style and clarity can change your funding chances
- Choosing funders whose remit truly fits your work
- Coping strategies, from ice cream to badminton to music
- Building resilience and knowing when to rework or drop an idea
- The value of mentors, networks and peer support
Listen to learn why rejection isn’t the end — and how it can be the start of a better grant.
Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:
Bouncing Back from Rejection - Adam Grant
What to do when your grant is rejected
A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.
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