How to write a grant proposal Step III

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 00:32

With a little help from my friends

Grant writing is a complete new discipline within science for me… I feel like I have to learn everything all over again. Although I have been writing several papers before, this is so different that I have to adapt my way of writing and thinking.Luckily, I have called for help… several of my wonderful friends are helping me by giving advice, sharing their ideas and proposals with me, discussing DOs and DON’Ts.

I would recommend everybody to ask for help and advice, it’s almost impossible to write your (first) grant alone. If you do not have friends who have been to this process before, ask colleagues, PI’s, google! Don’t try to solve this huge puzzle all by yourself. At this moment, I am finishing my first draft (much later than I expected, of course…) and I am not sure how I feel about it. One moment I think it’s great, other moment I start to re-write it all over again…

I think it’s time to send it away to someone with a fresh and objective look. In the meanwhile I have arranged my references, but helping them with reminders for the deadline might be a good idea. And try to arrange the letters at least two weeks ahead, especially during the holiday season. My puzzle is waiting…