Tell us about yourself…

I have always been interested in the study of neurological diseases, and my time as a student
opened my eyes to the excitement and the broad benefit of science and that this can help people's
quality of life. I had the opportunity to conduct original research in my master's degree and that
inspired me to take on the challenge of a PhD. I am also a reader and I like to combine it with
scientific articles.

#2 What made you choose to do a PhD?

Ive enjoyed my academic work so far, but I really feel I’ve got more to offer as an
independent researcher. I’m also passionate about this subject and don’t feel enough
attention has been paid to the questions I’m looking to address.
3 What do you plan to do after you complete your PhD?

 I feel my PhD project can open up new lines of inquiry for this field and want to
use it as the foundation for a fruitful research career. But, I’m also interested in
the wider development opportunities included in this doctoral programme. I
want to be an academic, but I’m happy to keep other options open.

#4 What are your strengths and weaknesses?

 I feel that I’m a good written communicator. My existing academic and

professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and
concisely. I think this will help me manage the weight of information my PhD
research needs to cover and the challenge of producing an effective thesis. But,
I’m not always as organised as I’d like to be. I want to address this as part of
my postgraduate training and hope to take advantage of classes and
development opportunities early in my doctorate.

#5 Are there any training needs you can identify ahead of your PhD?

 I’m really interested in communicating my research to a wider audience, but

don’t know how best to go about doing this. I think the training module on
public engagement will be a big help to me, both academically and more
generally.

#6 Why this project?

 This PhD appeals to my existing research interests. But I’m also attracted by the
opportunity to specialise and develop new expertise. Other projects didn’t seem
to offer the same possibilities to pursue the questions that really interest me.
#7 What makes you the right candidate for this PhD?

 I’ve been interested in this topic since the final year of my undergraduate
degree. This lead to my choice of Masters and helped me pick my dissertation
topic, which I really enjoyed. I’m really excited to now go on and do some
sustained research in this area as a PhD student.

#8 What difficulties do you expect to encounter during this project?

 I can see that some of the archival material I’ll need to examine for this project
may be difficult to access. My first task will be to request permissions, arrange
visits and develop a system for recording my findings. I’m hoping to undertake
training in archival practices and seek advice from my supervisor as I develop
these key skills early in my project.

#9 What would you like the impact of this project to be?

 I’m keen to share my passion for this subject with a wider audience. I’m hoping
to maintain a public-facing blog documenting my research and would also be
keen to approach local schools and museums to discuss educational events.

Don't answer:

 To be honest, I can’t really see how my work on medieval manuscript

preservation has any benefit outside the university. I’d still like some funding
though.

#10 How will you fund this project?

Do answer:

 I’ve shortlisted external funders and would be keen to investigate any small
bursaries or other forms of support through the university. I’ve also made
arrangements to work part-time, with the option to adjust this if my funding
situation improves.

#11 Why have you chosen to study a PhD at this university?

 I’ve looked at lots of opportunities in this area. I feel that this project is the best
of its kind, combining a unique research angle with a training programme that
will meet my professional needs. I was already familiar with the work of my
prospective supervisor and their research has greatly informed my own
development as a scholar. I’m eager to combine my work with theirs and make
use of the facilities the university has put together for this project.
#12 What can you bring to this research group?

 I’m eager to take advantage of the facilities and expertise this university has to
offer. But I also want to contribute with my own expertise and enthusiasm. My
previous work has given me the skills to make the most of the material involved
in this project and I’m motivated to take up new training opportunities as
relevant. I’ll be proud to be a part of this department and would actively seek to
represent it through my own publications and other research outputs.