Writing A Research Grant Proposal

The basics

Knowledge

Formal training in a specific scientific disciplineUp to date information regarding the latest

applications and trends

• InspirationAn idea in the form of a question

Outcome of answering the question: increase knowledge base and /or result in new

applications/solutionsFeasibility: is it doable with the available

resources?

• A PlanA step by step road map designed to answer the

original question (s)A list of specific methods and techniques needed

for implementing the planAn alternative strategy (s) to circumvent putative

problems

Not having a plan is planning for failure

• ResourcesIdentifying the available physical resources

requiredProjecting the cost of performing the work

Identifying personnel to conduct the work

The Proposal

Organization of a grant proposal

1.Specific aims2. Background and significance

3.Preliminary studies4. Experimental design

5. Literature cited 6. Appendix

1. Specific Aims

This is the most important page of the entire proposal

(it’s the money page)Limit yourself to ONE page

No more than 1-3 aimsShould be VERY specific aims

2. Background and Significance1. An Introduction of the area

of research2. Background and literature survey

3. Significance of the proposed studies4. Summary

5. No more than 4-5 pages

3. Preliminary Studies1. A presentation of any pertinent data

obtained in the investigator’s lab 2. Displayed in an organized fashion (tables,

graphs and other figures) 3. Illustrates the skills and techniques

available to the investigator4. Includes a section of recent publications

or manuscripts by the investigator5. About 4-10 pages

4. Experimental Design1. Organized sequentially by specific aims

stated 2. A detailed description of proposed

experiments including: a) Rationale; b) Design; c) Anticipated results and d)

Alternative strategies3. Should be planned to methodically

address the specific questions stated under Specific Aims

4. About 6-10 pages

Success is dependent on

►Having a sound plan►A methodical approach to accomplish that plan

►Adequate resources to implement the plan►And most of all the flexibility to change that plan as

need be