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Lorenz Hofbauer (Dresden, Germany)

Grant writing

Topics to be covered

A successful and well-written grant gives you funding and is frequently the start to an independent scientific career. Grant writing -just as paper writing- is a craft (or an art) that can be learnt. Before starting, get oriented about the topic. Read. Go to meetings. Define what’s known and what’s unclear. How can these gaps be resolved? Write down your hypothesis and discuss it with your peers. Can you address these questions? Are you properly trained? Is your approach and are your methods appropriate? Do you get support from your mentor and your research environment? If not, where else could you perform this project? Who could be a collaborator? Think international!

Writing requires time. Calculate 3 months for a sound 20-page grant. Who will review your grant? Try to view your grant through the eyes of a reviewer. Get input from an outsider or someone with a sceptical attitude. Discuss your draft at internal lab meetings.

Five key factors for a successful grant application are:

• Is the problem significant?
• Is the approach adequate?
• Is their a specific track record?
• Is the applicant adequately trained?
• Is the research environment supportive?
  

Educational goals

• understand the ingredients of a good grant;
• know how to phrase a hypothesis;
• understand how to effectively “organize” a grant (project management);
• understand the review process.

Target audience

All who depend on extramural, non-industrial funding. This workshop is particularly designed for junior or recently appointed senior scientists (MD, PhD) wishing to apply for national or international peer-reviewed grants.

Teaching methods

Informal and interactive. Specific questions from the audience will be discussed.