Writing a research grant proposal can be difficult. As the Albert Einstein College of Medicine authors of "The Well-Defended Proposal" suggest, your proposal must be succinct and it also must be logical. Not only can you repeat yourself, but it is quite wise to do so. As the web page points out, it is good to "emphasize and reemphasize the important points in your argument." The idea is to acquire the attention of your reviewers.
- Research your topic thoroughly. Make sure that the subject of your research is not something other researchers have not attempted before. Potential grant makers tend to like originality. If your topic is too common, you may wish to find another research project.
- Write your hypothesis that you will test. Your hypothesis needs to be strong. This is similar to the thesis sentence of a formal paper.
You need to provide a scientific rationale for your hypothesis. Furthermore, your theory must be based on current science. Also, it is essential that you consider alternative explanations and clearly demonstrate that you are able to accept the fact that after testing your theory, it might not hold true. - Develop a research plan with a specific aim and timetable. Also in this part, you must let your reviewers know how your research will take place. You need to tell them the extent of your experiments, and if you intend to use animal or human subjects. The article also suggests that you provide them with a reasonable time frame.
- Clearly outline your objectives in what the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes refers to as the "Specific Aims" section. This is a key element reviewers will use to decide whether to bankroll your project. Reviewers want to know what you specifically wish to accomplish with this project. Your objectives must relate directly to your hypothesis.
- Keep this section short. This is your chance to sell your project. As the NINDS web page says, "State how your research is innovative, how your proposal looks at a topic from a fresh point of view or develops or improves new technology."
You should use this section to demonstrate what research from the past has led to the proposal you are requesting funding for today.
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