1. Top 10 Tips for Effective Grant Writing Karen Kidd, Canada Research Chair & Professor, Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John Presented at the Symposium for Women Entering Ecology and Evolution Today (SWEEET), Halifax, 14 th May 2009

2. Tip # 10  Read the instructions/information from the granting agency and your institution (some people don’t) Know deadlines Stick to page limits Include all sections/information requested Include and emphasize aspects important to funders (e.g. training of students for Discovery grant) Use right page margins and font size Understand evaluation criteria

3. Tip # 9  Find mentors, seek help from successful applicants (colleagues, former supervisor) Discuss ideas with them before starting the writing If possible, read his or her successful application Get feedback on your application

4. Tip # 8  Do your homework Know the literature, questions, controversies, issues in your field Place your work in context with literature (if controversial, include both sides) Discuss potential pitfalls and describe options

5. Tip # 7  Be ambitious but also realistic Proposals assessed based on your proven abilities New researcher proposing to supervise 15 graduate students is unrealistic If heading into newer territory, do preliminary work first to have “proof of concept”  Some questions reviewers ask: Can applicant accomplish the work? Does applicant have ability to manage workload? Will it generate information that will advance the science?

6. Tip # 6  Agree to review grants or sit on grant review committees Gain a lot of experience Learn to recognize well crafted proposal Better understanding of how agencies like NSERC work

7. Tip # 5  Be clear and concise in your writing State your objectives Describe the methods you will be using to meet those objectives Include details on what will be accomplished when and by whom Headings and subheadings very helpful Proofread (have zero tolerance for typos)  Most innovative research less likely to get funded if it is not well presented and “sold”

8. Tip # 4  Avoid jargon (the “special language of a certain group or profession” ) Review committees often have range of expertise (e.g. aquatic toxicologist reviewing proposal on effects of fires on grassland communities)  If not possible, define jargon at the beginning  Otherwise, risk losing some non- specialist readers

9. Tip # 3  Most people find grant writing challenging, recommend writing: grants as soon as you can (as graduate student or postdoc), get better with practice during your best time of the day when focused when you are enthusiastic about what you are proposing to do early, rushed proposals very obvious

10. Tip # 2  Maintain productivity Good grantsmanship cannot replace lack of productivity Submit papers and publish your work  Describe any delays in productivity due to Maternity leave Illness (yours or family member) Other exceptional circumstances such as long- term nature of work  It is taken into account by review committee

11. Tip # 1  Write like a man (no offense intended)  In general, women do not promote themselves well

12. Example of difference  “This publication has made a significant impact on the field and has lead to an invitation to present these findings, participate on a board, and write a review paper.” versus “This first-authored publication in a high-impact journal has been cited 35 times, and has resulted in an invitation to present at Harvard, sit on a national board, and write a review paper on the many advances this technique has made to the field.”  Which style do you think is more effective?