Writing a well-structured, understandable and attractive competitive proposal is probably the most important task in the entire funding process. The world of research funding is highly competitive and success rates are low. A clear proposal that stands out from others has a better chance of receiving funding, so it is important to devote proper time and effort to prepare something that is top-quality and competitive. Start your preparation in good time. A research idea must have time to grow; you also need to allow time to change focus, add activities or redirect priorities. Feedback from colleagues in your department and from outside the organisation may lead to radical alterations, so you need plenty of time to process such feedback and suggestions for improvement during the writing phase.
ERIM has two guides that may help you; please contact Veerle van Laere for digital copies.
Do's and Don’ts of writing a proposal
Practical suggestions for what to do – and what to avoid doing – when writing your draft application.
How to make an attractive abstractThe abstract or summary can be the most important part of the application because it’s the first – and sometimes only – part of the application read by evaluators. This guide focuses on its composition.
It’s also important to bear in mind at this stage:
- Write down the broad outline of your proposal.
- Formulate a clear definition of the problem.
- Use examples to clarify your problem and its context.
- Explain complex concepts or terminology.
- Formulate a clear research question or questions.
- Clarify your chosen research method.
- Refer to the newest knowledge in the field and explain how your research will add to it.
- Ask colleagues inside and outside of your department for feedback.
- Ask Veerle van Laere to give you feedback on your first draft.
Funding Advisory Board
ERIM has established a Funding Advisory Board (FAB) to increase the quality of funding proposals and thereby increase the success rate of funding applications. The FAB will improve the structure and quality of proposals through giving constructive feedback, asking questions about parts which may be unclear, and giving suggestions for improving its attractiveness.
Members of ERIM’s FAB are senior researchers with experience of successfully applying for research funding, or with experience as peer reviewers or evaluators for EC and NWO funding schemes. Members are listed on the FAB webpage.
The FAB primarily looks at draft proposals for NWO VENI, NWO VIDI, NWO Research Talent, ERC Starting Grant and ERC Consolidator Grant funding schemes. FAB meetings take place about a month before each scheme’s deadline. Draft proposals must be sent to the FAB secretary (vlaere@rsm.nl) by email one week before the scheduled FAB meeting.
Two FAB members are appointed as key advisors for each proposal and are responsible for reading through the entire proposal and questioning the applicant at the FAB meeting. One key advisor comes from the applicant’s research group; the other comes from a completely different research group.
The applicant is invited to attend part of the FAB meeting; your attendance will be organised by the FAB secretary.
Each applicant has 10 minutes to briefly explain the objective and outline of their proposal, and answer questions from the FAB members appointed as key advisors. You will start by giving a three-minute pitch about your proposal. You are not expected to prepare a PowerPoint presentation.
