Grant writing 101
The Art of Flawless Packaging
Scott K. PowersDepartment of Applied Physiology
and Kinesiology
Outline What makes a good
grant? The art of flawless
packaging-step-by-step
What makes a good grant?
–Scientific need–Important question and good
science to answer the question–Trendy science vs. good science– Vertical advancement–Flawless packaging
Flawless packaging•Well organized•Easy to read•Good use of illustrations •Clean presentation (spacing, etc.)•Follow technical rules (font, length, etc)
•Bottom line-with one read-the reviewer has a clear understanding of your plan
Flawless packing-writing
Well organized (start with outline) Clear, well conceived paragraphs Logical order for progression of thinking Avoid jargon-use active voice Bold important statements for emphasis Grants are a dialog between PI and
reviewer-must be interesting!
Flawless packing-graphics
Picture is worth 1000 words! Figure captions should be brief and clear Figure size-all axis labels and numbers
must be easy to read. Page layout of text and figures should be
appealing to reader (i.e., wrap text around figures)
Should figures use color? Photographs?
Flawless packing-abstract•
First section of grant read by reviewer
• Must be clear and interesting
• Last statement of abstract should stress the importance of work
Flawless packing-Specific Aims
• Second section of grant read by reviewer
• Must be clear and interesting
• Most important segment of grant?
Flawless packing-Significance
•MUST explain the importance of problem and the critical barrier to progress that the proposed project addresses• Explain how proposed project will improve scientific knowledge• Describe how the treatments or interventions that drive the field will be changed if aims are achieved
Flawless PackagingInnovation
•Explain how your application challenges or changes current research or clinical practice• Describe novel theoretical concepts or experimental approaches to be used & their advantages• Explain refinements, improvements, or new theoretical concepts contained within your application
Flawless PackagingApproach (1)
•Experiments must test the hypotheses proposed• Experiments MUST have appropriate control groups and control of confounding variables•Justify sample size (power analysis)
Flawless PackagingApproach (2)
•Experimental design must be clear•Justify subject selection or animal model used•Statistical analysis must be appropriate (use consultant prior to submission)
Flawless PackagingApproach (3)
•Should contain section on results interpretation•Discussion of potential pitfalls and alternative approaches•Future directions?
Flawless PackagingApproach (4)
•Preliminary data must be compelling and demonstrate proof of concept and your ability to conduct the work•Provide adequate methodological detail and references for techniques
Flawless PackagingApproach (5)
• In the new NIH grant format, where does the background fit?• Significance or Approach?
Flawless PackagingReferences
•Cite classic papers•Cite recent literature and your contributions to the field•CITE YOUR REVIEWERS (if appropriate)•Know your reviewers!
Flawless Packaging requiresa little help from your friends •Excellent grants are often the work of several people•Ask for advice from experienced colleagues•Have many people read your application and provide feedback
Last word
The secret to flawless packaging of a grant is to start the process early and revise, revise, and revise some more!
Summary Learning to craft fundable
grants is a process Gain experience by
serving on a study section Write and revise, revise…. Never give up!
