Expert Advice on Grant Writing

Research Proposals – What you Need to Know

In an online Q&A with researcher and professor Dr. George Veletsianos, students queried him about various aspects of research and the world of academia in general. What stood out for me was his advice about applying for research grants. Let me summarize what I came away with:

• • • Know your audience: Find out about who is behind the grant. What do they stand for? What is the history of the organization? Strive to address any world views they may hold and show that you understand their goals.
    • Don’t be afraid to sell yourself: It is an interview of sorts. Don’t be shy!
    • Explain the following:

Why you? – Demonstrate that you are the best person for the task, find a connection in your life, past work that may illustrate this.

Why now? – What previous research can you link to culminate up to now; show it is relevant to what is happening in the world at present?

Why bother? – How is what you want to study contributing to man and woman’s knowledge base, and how is it connected to what the grant providers call for research?

Research is not cheap. There is money in the hands of willing agencies and organizations. All you need to do is win it with a worthy proposal.

References

Veletsianos, G. (2020). Questions about Research for George Veletsianos [Audio recording]. Retrieved from https://bluejeans.com/playback/s/PES97xtVyEHk1N21CMu2Nf6cWuxkum7cyWE7yZV9PPdarszJA4QnOQtZNBqC2oid