To actually solve problems and advance your academic career, you have to become one of those lucky scientists whose research ideas get funded. Whether you’re a graduate student or a seasoned academic, this book will show you how to:
✓ Generate powerful research ideas even if you feel stuck; and crucially – select the best idea for writing a grant proposal
✓ Develop a strong research concept that fulfills all of the funder’s requirements using the “Research Project Canvas”
✓ Add that elusive X factor to your written research proposal which persuades reviewers to recognize the value of your research
Instead of dreading grant writing, this guide will have you enjoying the process through first identifying real-world problems and then obtaining the funding to solve them.
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Book contents
Part I: Research Project Canvas
In Part I you will see how using my Research Project Canvas will help you convert your research ideas into a grant proposal. With a pre-filled Project Canvas in hand, the task of writing the research proposal will not seem quite so intimidating since you will know exactly what to write within each section of your funding proposal.
Part II: Write Your Proposal
In Part II you will see how to write the proposal in a way that excites and convinces any reviewer. You will learn how to come up with Key Sentences, then expand upon them using Story Structure. You will see how to create convincing figures, improve readability, prepare supplementary documents, and learn a formula for pitching your proposal.
Part III: Generate Research Ideas
In Part III of this book, you will learn how to help generate research ideas by implementing two elements: the systematic acquisition of new knowledge and the cultivation of a creative environment. You will also learn how to strategically select the best ideas for your grant proposals through the delicate balancing of your creative desires with the chances of successful funding.
A proposal writing toolkit
This isn’t just a book. It’s a complete research proposal writing toolkit that includes many resources that will help you succeed. For example…
Research Proposal Canvas
will help in conceptualizing research projects and bridge the gap between an idea and a research proposal.
Proposal key sentence template
will kickstart proposal writing by giving it a firm structure that convinces the reviewers.
Research proposal idea generation prompts
will help you to come up with research proposal ideas, right when you need them most.
And many other tools
including templates for proposal budget, background description, and cover letter, project rating scorecard, virtual collaboration whiteboard, proposal pitch formula, graphics creation cheat sheet, submission checklist, and proposal examples.
Available on Amazon
Which type of scientist do you choose to be?
This book is for you if you are…
- A young scientist preparing to write your first research proposal
- An experienced scientist looking to improve your chances of acquiring funding
- A graduate student applying for a fellowship
- An academic writing a research plan to apply for a promotion
This book is for you if you have been…
…overwhelmed by the task of writing a convincing proposal
…struggling to come up with research ideas
..worried about whether you will be able to deliver on the promises of a research proposal
…annoyed by unproductive meetings and uncoordinated coauthors
What readers say
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Proposal writing is an essential skill for scientists at any career stage. This book demystifies the process and offers an accessible step-by-step introduction to the topic. From the birth of an idea to the submission of the proposal, these tips will prove invaluable when it comes to securing research funding. Highly recommendable!
Wino Wijnen, Proposal writing consultant at WiWright and career consultant at Skills Weaving
The author: Martins Zaumanis
Coming from a working-class family, the only way to fulfill my dream of becoming a scientist was to rely on grant funding. Now, after years of perfecting research proposal writing skills, I am ready to reveal the secrets that have made it possible for me to work on the things I love at one of worlds’ the best research institutions in Switzerland. I am sure the approach I developed will help you as well.
See a list of my research projects here
Look inside the book
The Peer Recognized book series
Eventually, there will be six books in the Peer Recognized book series, each of which will focus on one of the primary academic communication skills that will help to build an academic career. As you can see in the figure, the books are arranged in a sequence that reflects the needs at the different stages in an academic career. Depending on your career stage, choose which one to read.
Here is more information about the other five books in the series:
