There are many elements that must align to succeed with a research career. When reviewing and evaluating applications for funds, it is as important to refer to ones expertise in the guidance, teaching and awarding of funds as it is to refer to scientific production. I would therefore particularly urge researchers early in their careers to take advantage of the opportunity to apply for funds and endowments with a deadline of 1 December. There are several active funds and various differnet specifications as to what they can cover, but funds for travel and, in some cases, lab consumables can be applied for. Sucessful application will strengthen your CV by demonstrating your ability to be sucessful in an open application forum, even if it is not a large amount

December 1 is also the deadline for nominating candidates for Meltzer prizes. This year it is possible to nominate candidates for honorary prizes, young talents and excellent research dissemination. Funding sources are increasingly using CV templates, and it is not rare to be asked to list prizes and allocations. On a national and international scale, which is where one operates as a researcher, it is good to show that one’s competence is recognized locally.

Finally, I would like to inform you that BTO and UiB invite you to a Horizon 2020 seminar on the next Horizon Europe framework program. Representatives from the British Embassy will talk about how to prepare for future cooperation with the UK in light of Brexit, and the audience will receive an update on the next framework program. It appears that there will again be  selected focus areas and the Commission will introduce strategic “missions”, clearly defined goals to what they want to achieve. Experience with Horizon 2020 shows that our national sources of funding tend to follow the EU when they present the thematic priorities in their announcements, so it is important to keep up with it.

By Amra Grudic-Feta and Emmet Mc Cormack