Is it OK to submit the same post-doctoral fellowship application two years in a row?

Question

Last year, I submitted a post-doctoral fellowship application but didn't get it. This year, I thought about submitting basically the same research statement; slightly updated and refined, but having the same project in mind. My thoughts are that my improved track record this year, and having two letters of invitations to top universities, which I didn't yet have last year, would make the difference.Is it a reasonable/ethical/smart strategy?

Answer 1

Good afternoon

I had a student I was tutoring who was in a similar situation. Just like you, they had been denied admission to a post-doctoral fellowship. They had improved recommendations and letters and invitations from other universities up to par. The issue became that the solution considered a slightly updated project/research statement was unethical as it did not show an improvement in project development. Every program may be different and this may not apply to you but I strongly suggest you do more than just slightly update it.