Writing A Research Grant Proposal

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Writing A Research Grant Proposal
Abboud J. Ghalayini, Ph.D.
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The basics
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KnowledgeFormal training in a specific
scientific disciplineUp to date information
regarding the latest applications and trends
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• InspirationAn idea in the form of a
  questionOutcome of answering the question
  increase knowledge base and /or result in new
  applications/solutionsFeasibility is it doable
  with the available resources?

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• 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
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• ResourcesIdentifying the available physical
  resources requiredProjecting the cost of
  performing the workIdentifying personnel to
  conduct the work

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The Proposal
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Organization of a grant proposal1.Specific
aims2. Background and significance3.Preliminary
studies4. Experimental design5. Literature
cited 6. Appendix
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1. Specific AimsThis is the most important page
of the entire proposal (its the money
page)Limit yourself to ONE pageNo more than 1-3
aimsShould be VERY specific aims
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2. Background and Significance 1. An
Introduction of the areaof research2.
Background and literature survey 3. Significance
of the proposed studies4. Summary5. No more
than 4-5 pages
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3. Preliminary Studies1. A presentation of any
pertinent data obtained in the investigators
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
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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 Aims4. About 6-10 pages
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5. Literature Cited 1. Include title of
citation, authors, date, journal and page 2.
Check the citations for accuracy
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6. Appendixes 1. Include relevant publications/
manuscripts in preparation from your lab 2. Any
detailed experimental protocols/methods that are
too long to include in the grant
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The Finishing touchesAttention to Details1. A
critical reading of the final grant by an expert
in the field.2. A thorough editorial
fine-tooth combing of the final grant. 3. Allow
yourself plenty of time (3-6 months)
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The Finishing touches contd 4. Establish
linkage and continuity throughout the proposal
(Cross-linking of the 6 sections)
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The R words1. Rejection2. Revision3.
Resubmission
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Success is dependent on
? A clear and focused proposal ?Having a sound
plan to implement it ?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
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