FLINDERS INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC POLICY AND MANAGEMENT Peer Support Grant Writing Workshop Why Apply for Funding? Developing your Research Ideas Gerry Redmond gerry.redmond@flinders.edu.au

Academic Research Funding..... Why do institutions make it available? To support research excellence To support international competitiveness To support particular policy / research agendas To support academics who wish to engage in academic research What about school and faculty grants? Why are they made available? ->> rationale of the granting institution points to what you need to focus on in the grant application

Academic Research Funding..... On what basis do institutions make it available? Originality – makes a new contribution Significance to policy or institutional aims Feasibility – it looks like it can be done Proposer’s track record

Academic Research Funding..... Why would you want to apply for it?

Academic Research Funding..... Why would you want to apply for it? Getting a grant is an indicator of academic standing  does failing to get a grant diminish your standing?

Academic Research Funding..... Why would you want to apply for it? Getting a grant is an indicator of academic standing  does failing to get a grant diminish your standing? You have an idea that you think could make an original contribution (how do you know?)  your experience in the field  your knowledge of the literature  what your colleagues tell you  feedback at conferences, seminars, etc.

Academic Research Funding..... What are the disadvantages of applying? Time consuming Low success rates Failure is depressing

Academic Research Funding..... What are the disadvantages of applying? Time consuming Low success rates Failure is depressing On the other hand.... The process of writing is creative (ideas get better) You can circulate a draft among colleagues (you can’t circulate vague ideas in the same way) A good proposal could be the basis for an academic paper Chances of success improve with each iteration

Academic Research Funding..... So how do you develop your research ideas?

Academic Research Funding..... So how do you develop your research ideas? Engage in random conversations with colleagues Use insights from course materials that you teach Talk with policymakers & practitioners – where to they identify gaps in knowledge? Conferences, workshops & seminars (you often get hints, especially if you present...) Write your ideas down – pass them around Find a collaborator (similar research interests; complementary skills & knowledge; research record; contacts)  commitment

Academic Research Funding..... First steps Formulate your idea as a question Do a Google Scholar search (who’s looked at related issues?) Write a one page draft Single research question How is it original? Why would anyone be interested? Is it feasible to research? Data and methods Circulate to friends, colleagues & relevant policymakers - Get other people involved! - Get advice on most appropriate funding sources Expand as needed

Academic Research Funding..... Work on your own or in a team? On your own You stay firmly in control You set deadlines, etc. Fewer organisational hassles Traditional social science method You get all the credit In a team Two (or more) brains can be better than one Support & motivation Complementary skills and track records (or hitching a ride with an experienced researcher) Mixture of academic and practitioner experience (but organisationally, it can be a hassle....).

Academic Research Funding..... Work on your own or in a team? Or, work on your own project in a teamwork setting Buddy up with others who are also writing their proposals Make commitments Meet regularly, friendly criticism Expect clarity (only general knowledge assumed)

Academic Research Funding..... What if you’re unsuccessful? You don’t get it finished in time There will be a next round. Good ideas do not go out of date You probably managed to get a lot of work done, even if you did not get to submit - Your proposal didn’t get up - You are far advanced from where you were when you started - Start planning for the next round - Read reviewer comments carefully - Ask friends & colleagues for advice - Re-affirm interest of policymakers