Narrative CVs: strengths and challenges
A successful career in research has always been dependent on funding, which in turn relies on a person’s ability to secure grants. Unfortunately, biases in the reviewing process have created disadvantages for underrepresented researchers, including women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities (Jebsen et al., 2020, Swenor et al., 2020, UKRI, 2023).
Some of the disadvantages may stem from evaluation processes based on CVs. A traditional table CV focuses on listing publications, work experiences, and awards, which disadvantages individuals who may have valuable skills but have fewer publications or recognitions due to structural workplace barriers, discrimination, or responsibilities outside their career progression (i.e. family, children, and care work).
One recent attempt to reduce biases in evaluation processes and foster inclusion was the introduction of the so-called “Narrative CV”. This type of CV has been introduced by DORA (The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment) as part of a broader initiative to improve the assessment of research contributions and has been adopted by funding agencies like UKRI. Narrative CVs are an alternative to traditional table CVs, allowing applicants to tell their own ‘stories’ and highlight their skills and range of achievements beyond traditional metrics such as publications, citation counts, and prizes. Indeed, Narrative CVs focus on the researchers’ contribution to the generation of knowledge and innovation, the establishment of working relationships, and their role in driving community and societal growth, among others. By allowing researchers to tell their own stories, narrative CVs focus on diverse pathways in research careers rather than highlighting ‘gaps’. This also means that writing a Narrative CV encourages researchers to reflect on their experiences, which can foster personal and professional growth.
Despite its benefits, Narrative CVs can present challenges for researchers. A researcher may ask themselves: Which skills and achievements should be mentioned and what may instead be irrelevant? Without clear guidance and support, researchers may find it difficult to make decisions about what to include and present a concise and convincing narrative. In addition to challenges faced by all researchers, applicants from underrepresented groups may encounter additional difficulties when writing a Narrative CV. For instance, non-native speakers may be less confident in their writing abilities or have a more limited vocabulary to effectively convey their achievements. Moreover, underrepresented researchers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds may struggle to present themselves as high-achieving applicants which could be reflected in the language and style of their narratives. Other challenges relate to the evaluation of narrative CVs, as they require more time and effort to read and assess. Since narrative CVs follow a less standardised structure compared to traditional CVs, panels may need to spend additional time discussing candidates. It is therefore important to further explore the challenges of Narrative CVs, suggest improvements and identify solutions.
Our project aims to address some of these challenges. Although narrative CVs have been established by funding agencies, we want to focus on the researchers applying for funding, especially those who are underrepresented in their fields or belong to disadvantaged groups, and their experiences with Narrative CVs. Through a multidisciplinary, co-production approach, we want to identify barriers in writing narrative CVs, highlight effective practices, and suggest improvements and practical solutions.
Jebsen, Julie M., et al. "A review of barriers women face in research funding processes in the UK." Psychology of Women and Equalities Review 3.1-2 (2020).
Swenor, B. K., Munoz, B., & Meeks, L. M. (2020). A decade of decline: Grant funding for researchers with disabilities 2008 to 2018. PloS one, 15(3), e0228686.
UKRI (2023). UKRI equalities monitoring 2021 to 2022.