SLLS Webinar Series 2026: Session 3
From Postdoc to PI: Navigating Major Research Funding in International Contexts
About the event
Thursday 19th March 2026
08:00 - 09:00 UK, GMT (9:00 CET / 18:00 Brisbane / 19:00 Sydney & Melbourne)
Online via Zoom
From Postdoc to PI: Navigating Major Research Funding in International Contexts
Marta Facchini (University of Turku), Jess Bone (University College London), and Stefanie Plage (University of Queensland)
About the session
Securing major external funding can be a defining - and daunting - milestone in an academic career. This seminar brings together three early- to mid-career researchers from different countries who have each successfully secured prestigious, highly competitive funding awards.
Our speakers will reflect on their academic journeys, how they approached major funding applications, and what they have learned about building a sustainable research career in different national funding landscapes. Each speaker will give a short talk followed by a panel discussion and Q&A, offering attendees the chance to ask candid questions.
With perspectives spanning Europe, the UK, and Australia - and funding schemes including Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the NIHR Advanced Fellowship, and the Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (ARC DECRA) - this session aims to demystify “big grants” and provide realistic, experience-based insights for researchers at all stages of their early academic careers.
About the speakers
Marta Facchini: Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Turku, funded by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship. Marta’s work focuses on social inequality and understanding how it is reproduced and can be reduced.
Jess Bone: Research Fellow at University College London and holder of an NIHR Advanced Fellowship. Jess’ work focuses on the role of social assets (relationships, community engagement, leisure activities, arts) in mental health.
Stefanie Plage: Research Fellow at the University of Queensland and recipient of an ARC DECRA Fellowship. Stefanie’s work spans the sociology of emotions, disadvantage and health and illness.
Session convenors
Katie Taylor (University College London) and Mengxuan (Suri) Li (University of Queensland), co-ordinators of the SLLS Early Career Network
How to register
Participation in this session is free of charge and open to all, but registration is required.
To register for this session, choose 1 in the 'quantity' dropdown box below (if you are registering a number of people, insert the overall number), then click on the 'Book Now' button and fill in the short form.
The session will be held via Zoom and all registrants will be emailed joining instructions a couple of days before the event. If you do not receive an email, please contact Cat Westlake.
Please consider becoming a member of the SLLS if you are not already. This enables the Society to continue its work, bringing the longitudinal and life course research community together. The membership year runs from January to December.
