Navigating research funding applications can be a minefield for an
Early Career Researcher with little or no experience, so we’ve compiled a
list of top tips from across the Internet and from experienced OR
colleagues with strong track records of successfully securing funding
income.
Ensure you are committed to your field of study but also be prepared to compromise
Successful funding applications take a lot of hard work. If it is
your first funding bid, it might be easier to explore what areas of
research the various funding bodies are looking for applicants to
undertake.
Consider partnerships
Before writing a proposal, consider approaching potential partners
first. Kerem Akartunali advises that external partners (whether a
company or an academic elsewhere, preferably overseas) are very helpful.
According to Claire McNulty, international collaborations can be of
particular benefit to your career because it not only adds impact and
reach, but also facilitates access to expertise, facilities and research
environments that can significantly broaden your experience and
networks. If the project is interdisciplinary, you should take interest
in what your partner from another discipline is working on. Tony McEnery
recommends taking your time to form ideas and plan applications with
individuals you may like to work with.
Using the Researchers Database can help you find collaborative partners.
Familiarise yourself with the funding application process
David Crosby and Traci Wilson both emphasise the importance of
thinking about funding as a PhD student or early post-doctorate
academic. David Crosby says that you could observe drafts of work being
done within your department to enable you to grasp a sense of the
process before having to do a proposal yourself. Traci Wilson also
highlights how applications can be submitted for travel grants,
equipment, etc., which offers important experience and evidence of your
ability to secure funding before you have to approach larger, more
complex proposals. Kerem Akartunali stresses that having a well thought
plan makes a big difference between success and failure too.
Decide what you need the money for and have a clear budget
According to Ken Emond, you should investigate possible funding
bodies who give grants or fellowships that support what you need money
for. In order to apply for these, you should be clear on what it is that
you need the money for most. He stresses that you should read the
guidance notes carefully so you don’t waste your time or that of the
funding body by making inappropriate applications. Colleagues in your
department or those within the research office of your university are a
valuable source of support and guidance.
Read the small print and familiarise yourself with the
criteria of the funding for which you are applying and don’t submit your
application late
Arne Strauss emphasises the need to read and re-read the funder’s
guidelines on how to complete proposals; often the authors of funding
proposals do not address all points that are supposed to be covered.
Matthew Grenby stresses the importance of choosing the most appropriate
scheme and reading the guidance thoroughly. You should make yourself
aware of any stipulations before investing time and effort into the
application. Ensure your application is neatly presented and well
structured. Keep to the space provided and make certain any required
supporting documents are submitted on time with your application.
Tell funders how you will measure success and maximise impact
Claire McNulty advises to think about the long-term plan, as many
funders want the benefits to last beyond the lifetime of the project.
For example, travel grants and workshops happen over a short period but
you should explain how you will ensure the sustainability of any links
or collaborations that the funding has generated. Think about how you
can maximise the impact of your research.
Paul Harper comments that many research funding councils explicitly
require you to detail pathways to impact. By its very nature, OR is well
placed to contribute to practical problems, so it is advisable (almost
essential) to have industrial partners on your grant proposal.
Stay focussed and develop a realistic and detailed research proposal
Ken Emond suggests that applicants commonly make mistakes because
they don’t fully read or answer the questions posed. Applicants can also
be over-ambitious regarding expectations of what can be achieved within
the timescale. He recommends focussing on what is really important
about your research, why you are the right person and how you have the
skills and experience to complete your proposal. He stresses that you
should write positively and with enthusiasm whilst omitting unexplained
jargon.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Christine Currie says that preparation is key. Funding calls always
provide a contact email address or phone number, but it is underused by
researchers. According to Avril Allman, there will also be someone who
can answer other important queries, such as the suitability of your idea
in relation to the funding call, that aren’t necessarily covered in the
handbook or FAQs.
Have your application reviewed by both someone familiar and unfamiliar with your specific field
Matthew Grenby says that friends and family may generate questions
that you hadn’t previously thought of whilst department colleagues can
assist you in considering whether your idea is feasible in research
terms. Remember, at the panel stage, applications aren’t reviewed by
experts from your specific field.
David Crosby suggests that people within your institution are a
valuable source of information to tap into. If they have already been
successful in winning funding from the organisation you want to apply
to, they will be aware of that organisation’s priorities and can advise
on how to pitch your application to them. Kerem Akartunali advises that
you make sure your department/school provides you extensive support
(e.g. they might reduce your teaching load, provide a PhD studentship if
grant successful, etc.), as this seems to be getting very important.
If you are rejected, persevere and try again
When reviewers make suggestions, adapting and resubmitting an
application can sometimes be successful after initial rejection.
Christine Curries stresses the need for perseverance and Tony McEnery
suggests that rejection doesn’t always translate to mean that a project
is completely un-fundable. David Crosby says that rejection should be
expected, as success rates can be so low. He recommends that rejection
should be treated as a learning point. Jacek Gondzio echoes that point
with the recommendation to apply for projects once a year or every
second year; he says researchers should not be discouraged by not being
funded with their first attempt.