FAQ
We have collected the questions we get asked the most and answered them for you.
If you do not get your question answered here, you are welcome to contact the JRP Team at jrp@pscholars.org.
How much time will I need to invest in the application for jSchool?
We suggest to prepare the motivational statements in advance to filling in the application. It is hard to estimate how much time this will take, as it often varies strongly from person to person. As soon as you have your statements prepared and read all information materials thoroughly, completing the form should not take you longer than 15-20 minutes.
If I were to be accepted to jSchool, do I have to be present at any later events?
Yes. In order to complete the JRP and be accepted into the JRP Alumni, participants have to attend at least the JRP Conference in Cambridge, UK, 13 months after jSchool. You will have to present your work in order to complete the programme. Participants may also opt to attend jMeeting in February after their jSchool, however, attendance for this event is entirely optional. Participation in the jGlobal is also an additional opportunity and by no means mandatory.
How much are the anticipated costs for the year?
The cost for jSchool is £450 (inclusive of accommodation, most meals, and all events). Travel expenses are not included.
For the optional jMeeting we usually have to charge between 50 and 100 GBP.
The JRP Conference (mandatory) usually cost around 300 GBP.
The costs of the optional jGlobal — inclusive of the JRP Conference — varies, as prices for housing increase in Cambridge, but can be expected to be as high as 2,000 GBP.
The JRP Team can issue acceptance letters and invitations to support you in funding and visa applications.
If I graduated last year, can I still apply?
No. The only exception may be students who completed their Bachelor’s with proof of enrolment into a masters programme for a later time in the same year.
I was part of a previous JRP cohort. Can I apply again?
Unfortunately not, as we try to create opportunities for as many young researchers as possible and you would be taking the place of someone else who did not yet have the chance to participate. However, we encourage you to get involved with our Alumni platform, bring your ideas to the JRP Team, or even join the team.
I started my PhD a few weeks ago. Can I be a Supervisor?
No. Supervisors must be at least one year into their programme.
Is JRP part of another organisation?
JRP is an independent organisation currently based in Cambridge, UK, with team members around the globe.
Are there any fees for being in the JRP?
Participants are admitted to the JRP after successfully completing jSchool, and into the Alumni Network after successfully completing the JRP year. Attaining and holding either status is not subject to a fee. However, to sustain the programme, fees are charged for participation in jSchool and JRP Conference, and — if chosen — jMeeting and jGlobal. These fees cover attendance, the scientific programme, a social programme, and different amounts of meals at the respective events.
What is the time commitment like for a Junior Researcher?
This heavily varies from team to team and period to period. Research teams are asked to plan their time and availabilities ahead according to their schedules. Students are expected to work full working days on their projects during jSchool. Generally, you should plan in at least one hour per week during down time, and up to a full working day during busy periods, such as when gaining ethical approval and close to submission deadlines.
What is the official language of the JRP?
The official and working languages of JRP are English. You should have a good knowledge and understanding of the language, both in everyday life and professionally, equal to at least B2 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Can I receive course credit at my university for being in the JRP?
Usually not. If you are a student at Columbia University interested in learning about reproducible science and apply that knowledge in a practical knowledge as a university course, you might want to consider GLOBES.
Do I need to have research experience to apply?
We accept students from different experience levels. While you do not need to have hands-on experience in applied research, any sort of commitment to research will be of advantage in your application. We acknowledge that the earlier applicants are in their studies, the less chances they will have had to participate in research.
I am suffering from mental/chronic illness. Is this something I should mention in my application? Will this affect my application?
First, health matters have no impact on decisions and you do not need to raise them in your writing. There is space to notify us of any needs in the forms, which we review in detail. We try to make JRP as inclusive as possible and no illness or impairment is grounds not to accept someone to the programme. Unfortunately, there may be cases in which we simply do not have the capacity or required facilities to ensure barrier-free participation. For example, the current jSchool and Conference venues are centuries-old buildings, where they have made an effort to adapt, but are not fully accessible. In cases where you would require a carer to travel with you, room and board arrangements for that individual would need to be made independently from JRP. Should you suffer from any sort of illness or disability that you believe would complicate your participation, please get in touch with the JRP Team (jrp@pscholars.org) and let us know your situation. We will certainly do what we can to make it a workable situation.
I will need a visa to attend an event, can you help me with that?
The JRP Team can issue invitations and acceptance letters to support your visa application. However, securing a valid visa in advance is entirely your responsibility and we usually cannot support visa fees or support you in the application process besides providing the aforementioned documents.
I am graduating soon, can I still apply for jSchool?
We generally accept students who will graduate during the 13 months as a Junior Researcher with the programme, but it is your responsibility to procure an institutional affiliation with a university or research body that has an institutional review board. This is to ensure local ethical review if needed. Affiliation is not negotiable if you want/have to collect data.
If you graduate early within the 13 months we suggest you try to arrange for one of the following:
Request an honorary or visiting affiliation with your institution. This could most likely be with a thesis Supervisor or academic who is interested in the topic of your JRP project’s topic.
Request a visiting affiliation with your Supervisor’s institution.
While the JRP Team can provide letters confirming your participation in the project, it is entirely your responsibility to find an affiliation.
Last revised 2nd March 2024