Grant-Writing Skills for Early-Career Researchers

Focus on the project description: meeting 1 and part of meeting 2

• Balancing between ambition and feasibility in the project objectives. We will discuss the balance between “unfocused and overambitious” proposals on the one hand, and “incremental” proposals on the other- the two ends of the spectrum which will lead to a rejection.
• Articulating a clear project rationale and conveying the fundamental added value. We will discuss the correct positioning of the project in relation to the state of the art: how to convey its relevance and importance, where to discuss novel aspects, and how to show clear focus on fundamental added value, in particular when the project is translational.
• Providing enough details on feasibility in the methodology and work plan. We will discuss how far you should go in the analysis of risks and mitigation plans, and what broader factors should be addressed to demonstrate overall feasibility.
• Strong structure. In a proposal, clear structure is the best way to convey your project management skills. We will discuss the budgeting of space, how to use formatting and chapter titles to grab attention, and where to place your key messages.

Focus on the candidate’s profile: meeting 2

• Providing clarity on your past contributions and the recognition of your work in the community. We will discuss the major aspects of your record where reviewers pay attention, and how to combine qualitative and quantitative presentation techniques in the CV. In particular, we will address the use of narrative to present your achievements to the maximum advantage.
• Conveying how the project advances your future research trajectory. For an ‘excellent’ evaluation, it is vital to explain in what ways the project will advance your future research plans. We will discuss what to say, how long this statement should be, and where to place it.