Writing research funding applications is a genre of its own—something I have always emphasised especially to early-career researchers. Over the years, I have noticed some recurring patterns in applications, and I would now like to share a few of them. A word of warning: none of this is new.
Research funding specialists at universities give out the same advice everywhere, and funders share similar tips in their own info sessions. Yet these messages do not always reach applicants, or they are forgotten in the rush of writing the application. Here are three key points I want to highlight:
1. Read
the call text carefully
Most questions that researchers bring to research funding specialists can be
answered simply by reading the call text—especially when the call is long and
detailed. Sometimes the instructions are ambiguous, and then a specialist is
needed to interpret the text or even contact the funder to confirm the
interpretation. But in most cases, careful reading reveals who is eligible to
apply, what the funding is intended for, and which attachments are required.
The call may also specify thematic priorities or focus areas that must be
addressed in the proposal. If the funder expects the project to involve
industry collaboration or produce applied results, the proposal must be adapted
accordingly.
2.
Understand what the project can fund
Many researchers are surprised to learn that certain calls require the project
leader to hold the rank of docent or professor, or that the project leader
cannot be funded full-time from the project. Foundation-funded projects can
also be challenging: foundations may pay grants directly to researchers, while
travel costs or purchases may still need to be routed through the university. A
funder might allow travel related to data collection but not conference travel.
Depending on the funder and whether the money flows through the organisation,
overheads may need to be included. Overheads help the institution cover general
expenses such as space costs, services, and the tools provided to researchers.
3. Write
your application clearly
Many researchers write their research plan as if it were aimed solely at
academic peer reviewers. Demonstrating scholarly excellence is important, but
in a funding application your primary task is to sell your research to the
funder. The evaluator may not be an expert in your specific field, so avoid
jargon. Make it clear what is novel about your research and why you—or your
research group—are the best choice to carry it out. Reviewers also appreciate
concrete information about the project timeline, who will do what, and what the
expected outcomes are (publications, datasets, etc.).
I hope these tips are useful to you. It is always worth remembering that more experienced researchers often have valuable insights to share. And above all: if you can get an experienced colleague to read your research plan, you will certainly receive expert feedback!
If you have questions regarding research funding, please send email to research (at) hanken.fi.
