2. Writing A Research Grant Proposal AJG Abboud J. Ghalayini, Ph.D.

3. The basics AJG

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

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? AJG

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 AJG

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 AJG

8. The Proposal AJG

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

10. 1. Specific Aims This is the most important page of the entire proposal (it’s 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 AJG

12. 3. Preliminary Studies 1. A presentation of any pertinent data obtained in the investigator’s 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 AJG

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 AJG

14. 5. Literature Cited 1. Include title of citation, authors, date, journal and page # 2. Check the citations for accuracy AJG

15. 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 3. Letters of collaboration 4. Other documents AJG

16. The Finishing Touches: Attention to Details 1. 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)

17. The Finishing touches: cont’d 4. Establish linkage and continuity throughout the proposal (Cross-linking of the 6 sections)

18. The “ R” words: 1. Rejection 2. Revision 3. Resubmission

19. 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 AJG