This is it. The final funding myth that I’m sharing as part of this series, and the one that can unfortunately cause the most trouble.
Throughout school, we’re indoctrinated with the idea that we should do our own work. This makes complete sense when it comes to avoiding cheating or plagiarism, but it can have the knock-on effect of preventing us from asking for help when it’s needed.
A grant proposal should not be created in isolation, and new PIs should not be expected to know or understand every little detail of the proposal creation process. Instead, it’s necessary to talk to others at each step.
When generating your initial ideas, it’s helpful to sense check them with colleagues. They may be able to point out issues you haven’t considered, identify ways of strengthening the project, or put you in contact with potential collaborators or project partners.
When sketching out an early draft of a proposal—especially the financial resources needed—it can be beneficial to speak to your research office. Do you need to be added to any particular software? What help can they provide? What information do they need from you before submission?
Is anything unclear in the funder’s guidance? Talk to them. It’s far better that you clarify any questions regarding eligibility or call topic before you spend time and effort on the proposal.
First draft done and dusted? Congratulations! Now get feedback from others. Feedback should be sought from two types of people: those who understand your research and those who are non-experts or lay readers. The first can help ensure that your project is feasible, while the second set can check that the language is clear.
Need more help? Get in touch. I want students, researchers, and academics to succeed and reach their full potential.