2. Writing A Research Grant Proposal

3. The basics

4. Knowledge Formal training in a specific scientific discipline Up to date information regarding the latest applications and trends

5. Inspiration An idea in the form of a question Outcome of answering the question: increase knowledge base and /or result in new applications/solutions Feasibility: is it doable with the available resources?Inspiration An idea in the form of a question Outcome of answering the question: increase knowledge base and /or result in new applications/solutions Feasibility: is it doable with the available resources?

6. A Plan A step by step road map designed to answer the original question (s) A list of specific methods and techniques needed for implementing the plan An alternative strategy (s) to circumvent putative problemsA Plan A step by step road map designed to answer the original question (s) A list of specific methods and techniques needed for implementing the plan An alternative strategy (s) to circumvent putative problems Not having a plan is planning for failure

7. Resources Identifying the available physical resources required Projecting the cost of performing the work Identifying personnel to conduct the workResources Identifying the available physical resources required Projecting the cost of performing the work Identifying personnel to conduct the work

8. The Proposal

9. Organization of a grant proposal 1.Specific aims 2. Background and significance 3.Preliminary studies 4. Experimental design 5. Literature cited 6. Appendix

10. 1. Specific Aims This is the most important page of the entire proposal (its the money page) Limit yourself to ONE page No more than 1-3 aims Should be VERY specific aims

11. 2. Background and Significance 1. An Introduction of the area of research 2. Background and literature survey 3. Significance of the proposed studies 4. Summary 5. No more than 4-5 pages

12. 3. Preliminary Studies 1. 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 investigator 4. Includes a section of recent publications or manuscripts by the investigator 5. About 4-10 pages

13. 4. Experimental Design 1. Organized sequentially by specific aims stated 2. A detailed description of proposed experiments including: a) Rationale; b) Design; c) Anticipated results and d) Alternative strategies 3. Should be planned to methodically address the specific questions stated under Specific Aims 4. About 6-10 pages

15. 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