1. FLINDERS INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Peer Support Grant Writing Workshop Why Apply for Funding? Developing your Research Ideas Gerry Redmond

2. Academic Research Funding.....
Why do institutions make it available?
To support research excellence
To support international competitiveness
To support particular policy / research agendas
To support academics who wish to engage in academic research
What about school and faculty grants?
Why are they made available?
->> rationale of the granting institution points to what you need to focus on in the grant application

3. Academic Research Funding.....
On what basis do institutions make it available?
Originality – makes a new contribution
Significance to policy or institutional aims
Feasibility – it looks like it can be done
Proposer’s track record

4. Academic Research Funding.....
Why would you want to apply for it?

5. Academic Research Funding.....
Why would you want to apply for it?
Getting a grant is an indicator of academic standing
 does failing to get a grant diminish your standing?

6. Academic Research Funding.....
Why would you want to apply for it?
Getting a grant is an indicator of academic standing
 does failing to get a grant diminish your standing?
You have an idea that you think could make an original contribution (how do you know?)
 your experience in the field
 your knowledge of the literature
 what your colleagues tell you
 feedback at conferences, seminars, etc.

7. Academic Research Funding.....
What are the disadvantages of applying?
Time consuming
Low success rates
Failure is depressing

8. Academic Research Funding.....
What are the disadvantages of applying?
Time consuming
Low success rates
Failure is depressing
On the other hand....
The process of writing is creative (ideas get better)
You can circulate a draft among colleagues (you can’t circulate vague ideas in the same way)
A good proposal could be the basis for an academic paper
Chances of success improve with each iteration

9. Academic Research Funding.....
So how do you develop your research ideas?

10. Academic Research Funding.....
So how do you develop your research ideas?
Engage in random conversations with colleagues
Use insights from course materials that you teach
Talk with policymakers & practitioners – where to they identify gaps in knowledge?
Conferences, workshops & seminars (you often get hints, especially if you present...)
Write your ideas down – pass them around
Find a collaborator (similar research interests; complementary skills & knowledge; research record; contacts)
 commitment

11. Academic Research Funding.....
First steps
Formulate your idea as a question
Do a Google Scholar search (who’s looked at related issues?)
Write a one page draft
Single research question
How is it original?
Why would anyone be interested?
Is it feasible to research?
Data and methods
Circulate to friends, colleagues & relevant policymakers
- Get other people involved!
- Get advice on most appropriate funding sources
Expand as needed

12. Academic Research Funding.....
Work on your own or in a team?
On your own
You stay firmly in control
You set deadlines, etc.
Fewer organisational hassles
Traditional social science method
You get all the credit
In a team
Two (or more) brains can be better than one
Support & motivation
Complementary skills and track records (or hitching a ride with an experienced researcher)
Mixture of academic and practitioner experience
(but organisationally, it can be a hassle....).

13. Academic Research Funding.....
Work on your own or in a team?
Or, work on your own project in a teamwork setting
Buddy up with others who are also writing their proposals
Make commitments
Meet regularly, friendly criticism
Expect clarity (only general knowledge assumed)

14. Academic Research Funding.....
What if you’re unsuccessful?
You don’t get it finished in time
There will be a next round. Good ideas do not go out of date
You probably managed to get a lot of work done, even if you did not get to submit
- Your proposal didn’t get up
- You are far advanced from where you were when you started
- Start planning for the next round
- Read reviewer comments carefully
- Ask friends & colleagues for advice
- Re-affirm interest of policymakers