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Writing Winning Research Proposals (workshop)
This is a two day workshop during which a series of talks by successful grant applicants illustrate the range of research that is supported by the different research councils, as well as offering insights into the world of EU funded projects. Participants develop their own research proposals in advance of day 2 and then work in small interdisciplinary groups (mock panels) to review and evaluate each other’s proposals.
- Institution(s):
- University of Strathclyde
- Region(s):
- Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Date first submitted:
- 17 Jun 2011
- Date last modified:
- 17 Jun 2011
- Relationship to RDF:
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- Domain A: Knowledge and intellectual abilities
- Knowledge base
- Domain B: Personal effectiveness
- Professional and career development
- Domain C: Research governance and organisation
- Finance, funding and resources
- Domain D: Engagement, influence and impact
- Communication and dissemination
- Focus:
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- Personal effectiveness
- Academic practice
- Audience:
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- Postgraduate researchers
- Doctoral researchers
- Research staff
- Range:
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- Institution
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Rationale, aims and outcomes
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What is the rationale for doing this?
How does it fit with institutional strategy?
What are the main features of the provision?
What are the aims and expected outcomes?
These workshops have been set up in recognition of the need for research students and early career researchers to be given focussed, up-to-date information regarding the types or research funded by the various research councils while developing the skills needed to write a successful grant application.
They are very much aligned with the aims of the University’s current strategy and the agenda for excellence, as they aspire to provide a multidisciplinary environment for supporting the development of research students and early career researchers.
These workshops run over two days: the first day is a conference-style plenary session chaired by a senior member of faculty management and it involves presentations from senior research staff with a successful track record as well as support staff from the Research and Knowledge Exchange Services department, who offer advice and guidance on practical aspects of the process. Participants then develop their own research proposals in advance of day 2 and work in small interdisciplinary groups (mock panels) to review and evaluate each other’s proposals. These mock panels are chaired by a member of staff with experience of peer review.
The main aims and outcomes are to develop:
1) a broad understanding and knowledge of up-to-date Research Council funding opportunities and processes
2) the necessary skills for writing and costing successful research proposals through practical experience
3) the ability to critically evaluate other people’s research proposals and provide meaningful feedback
In addition, these workshops offer participants the opportunity to:
1) learn from the experience of a cross-section of senior research staff
2) ask questions and network with support staff and researchers from different disciplines
3) appreciate the need for continued professional development
4) manage career development in an informed way
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Engagement
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Are there any pre-requisites for engagement, e.g. levels of skill, years of experience, essential pre-activities?
How many participate in each 'activity'?
All research staff and doctoral students are welcome if they can benefit from the experience. Number of participants on day 1 ranges from 25 to 50, and the mock panels on day 2 are comprised of a maximum of 6 participants plus a chair. The EPSRC/BBSRC event is most popular, and a smaller workshop focussed on AHRC/ESRC is held in addition dependant on demand.
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Evaluation: benefits, challenges and next steps
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How do you monitor effectiveness?
Who do you seek feedback from?
Do you have benchmarks?
Participant feedback is sought after each day of the workshop in the form of a questionnaire. This information is collated and forms the basis of discussions when setting up the following year’s workshops, to improve the relevance and effectiveness of the content of the workshops.