Narrative CVs as a Protocol
The wonderful Harini Nagendra on the Seen and Unseen podcast mentioned the idea of narrative CVs to better gauge scientists rather than the h-index type metrics.
Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI): guidance
In collaboration with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) mandates this narrative CV template as a comprehensive replacement for traditional CVs and resumes across its research grant and funding applications.Instead of a static list of chronological roles or a list of publications, the R4RI is a narrative-driven document designed to provide a more descriptive, rounded look at an applicant's real-world impact.
The 4 Core Modules of R4RI
When completing an application for a UKRI-Defra Funding Opportunity, your traditional resume is replaced by a template structured around four primary pillars:
- Module 1: Contributions to the generation of new ideas, tools, methodologies, or knowledge: Focuses on research outputs, datasets, software, and how you communicated these ideas.
- Module 2: The development of others and maintenance of effective working relationships: Highlights mentoring, team support, and leadership roles.
- Module 3: Contributions to the wider research and innovation community: Details peer reviewing, committee work, and field-specific contributions.
- Module 4: Contributions to broader research or innovation users and audiences and towards wider societal benefit: Documents public benefit, commercial utility, and policy impacts.
Key Strategic Rules for Your Submission
- No Bibliometric Rankings: In alignment with DORA principles, referencing h-indices or journal impact factors is prohibited.
- Team Focus and Length: The R4RI can be a collaborative document for the entire team and is strictly limited to around two sides of A4 or 1,000 words.