This report, “Working Together for Effective Narrative CVs: Insights, Challenges, and Next Steps,” is one of three resources from the Breaking Barriers to Research Funding Applications project led by the University of Surrey, funded by UKRI/BA EDI Caucus. It documents a June 2025 online workshop, co-organized with DORA, that brought together 14 participants, including underrepresented researchers, professional staff, narrative CV trainers, and UKRI funder representatives.
The workshop used a co-production approach to identify ways to make Narrative CV training and guidance more inclusive for underrepresented researchers. Key findings include recognition of effective existing practices (partnerships, frameworks, mentoring), areas for improvement (centralized guidance, greater transparency), and the importance of mentorship for building confidence.
The report offers three actionable recommendations for funders and institutions:
(1) create a central, evolving Resource Hub for evidence-based guidance;
(2) align applicant and reviewer guidance with transparent evaluation processes;
(3) provide mentorship opportunities and self-reflection tools.
Essential reading for researchers, funders, and institutions working to make research assessment more inclusive and aligned with DORA principles.
Learn more about the Breaking Barriers project here.