How to write a research proposal (I) Yu-sun Chang Ext 5131 March 23, 2011

Questions to address Specific aims Preliminary results Experimental designs and methods Predicted results Background and Significance Alternative approaches Has answered the questionsHas encountered difficulties YesNo Writing a proposal

Get Prepared What to Know Before You Start Writing the Research Proposal

Get Prepared-1 To ensure efficient and thorough completion of your application, consider taking the following preliminary steps: 1. Review the grant application instructions for important information on the application process and guidance on preparing proposal. 2. Solicit feedback from mentors on your research idea while it is still in the concept state. 3.Prepare an outline following the application framework and structure. 4. Make sure you have adequate preliminary data.

5.Ask your colleagues for copies of successfully completed proposals. 6. Make sure that your institution will allow you enough time to accomplish the research. 7. Develop a feasible timeline with draft proposal deadlines. Be realistic about the time it can take to write and revise the proposal. 8. Become familiar with the review criteria; reviewers (committee members) will use them to rate your proposal. Get Prepared-2

Peer Review Criteria 1.Significance: Will the study move the field forward? 2.Approach: Are the experiments you propose sound and technically feasible? 3. Innovation: Are your ideas creative? Is there a chance to shift the Paradigm? 4. Investigator: Can you accomplish your aims? Need to demonstrate your scientific independence. 5. Environment: Will the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success?

1. Specific Aims (20 points) Hypothesis (yes or no; solid or hollow) Rationale (yes or no; convinced or not) Specific or too lengthy 2. Background and Significance (20) Updated knowledge (yes or no) Literature Citation (proper or not) Relatedness to rationale and specific aims (yes or no) Presentations (clear or confused) 3. Preliminary Results (10 Sufficient to support hypothesis (yes or no) Sufficient for designing experiments (yes or no) 4. Experimental design (20) Logics (yes or no) 5. Methodology (10) 6. Anticipated difficulties and problem solving (10) 7. Overall organization (10)

Experimental Design and Methods Part 1: Rationale and Strategy You should clearly define the questions that you are asking, the rationale of your approach and controls The expected data and your interpretation The possible pitfalls and alternative strategies Part 2: Experimental Protocols Describing how experiments will be done (should not overdo the technical details, particularly for some standard procedures)

Abstract & Specific Aims-1 They should be the first sections you write, because it is always good to outline what you plan to do before beginning your detailed writing. They should be the last sections you revise, because it is imperative that they agree with what you have written in the Experimental Design and Methods section. Do not write more than 3 specific aims.

Abstract & Specific Aims-2 These sections should introduce 1.The problems you are addressing, with some minimal background to orient the non-specialist. 2. The overall hypotheses you are testing, and being addressed by sets of proposed experiments. 3.The main techniques that you will be using. 4.Your overall experimental plan. Indicate how the results of the various proposed experiments will mesh to form a cohesive whole that will advance significantly your field of research.

Background and Significance The background section should convince the reader that 1) you have a command of the Current research literature in your field, 2) you can be objective and thoughtful in your analysis of data. 3) you are testing the hypothesis, and you are open-minded enough to reject your favorite hypothesis if the experimental results so indicate. Background discussion should be focused on issues your experiments will address. References: Relevant publications from your lab and others too (citation 、 space limitations) At the end of each topic, point out to the reader how your proposed experiments will help resolve important issues in the field. Significance: thoughtful and brief

Preliminary results-1 1.You have experience and capability with most of the experimental techniques proposed, 2. You can design logical, well-controlled experiments, and 3.You will present your results in a clear and thoughtful manner. Show data demonstrating your ability to conduct the proposed experiments Present your results (even they are preliminary) in a professional manner with complete figure/table legends, calibrations, statistical analysis, etc.

A great picture/figure is worth a thousand words. (Don’t just show raw data) Show only results that are relevant to the proposed experiments, and also Pointed out their relevance. Present your preliminary data as objectively as possible. Do not overstate your claims or ignor different possible interpretations. Publish as much of your work as possible in the most rigorous journals in your field (suggesting where you are standing) Preliminary results-2

Experimental design and methods-1 Indicate how you will design and execute experiments addressing each of our Specific Aims. Propose only experiments that are directly relevant to testing your hypotheses and that you have the expertise to execute successfully. Be aware of the limitations of each technique, for example, do not use a qualitative assay to address a quantitative question. Include appropriate controls. Don’t propose more than your laboratory can reasonably do within the allotted time.

Experimental design and methods-2 Address the most basic issues first. For specific representtative experiments, indicate not only how you will execute the experiments, but also how you will analyze the data, interpret various possible results, and revise your experiments as results unfold. Indicate important experimental steps: 1) which exposure times, 2)what concentrations of reagents, 3) which statistic tests, etc. Indicate why you are using each proposed reagent, and be up-to-date on that reagent’s specificity. Indicate your source of reagents that are not commercially available.

Experimental design and methods-3 Address detailed attention to the techniques with which you have the least published experience, checking with experts to make certain your plans are realistic, state-of-art, and rigorous. Try to incorporate your timetable within the body of experimental methods rather than in a specific section at the end. Avoid repeating.

Alternative approaches Importance to having alternative approaches

Hints for writing a successful grant 1.You proposed research addresses important questions. 2.Your proposed experimental plan will answer many of those questions in an efficient and convincing way 3.You know and undrstan the contemporary research literatures in your field. 4.You have sufficient mastery of all the relevant techniques needed to execute your experimental plan. 5. You have access to all the equipment and reagents needed to execute your experimental plan. 6.You will analyze your data in a thoughtful and honest manner. 7. You will publish your results I a timely manner. 8. You will accomplish your experimental plan in the time requested and for the amount requested.

Neatness counts A proposal must be completely transparent-logic ad clear, and shows your excitement. A proposal should be readable and easy to understand. Specific aims should emphasize what you want to do. The background should say why this work should be done. The experimental section should say how you want to do it. (What, Why and How: The logic should be immediately clear.) No misspellings, grammar errors, and mistakes in references. (reflect badly on your judgment) Including diagrams and illustrations to show complex pathways, present preliminary data, or guide readers through your experimental plan. Use at least 12-point font

What you need Good research skills Good reputation and track record with respect to productivity and reproducibility of results, integrity and sound judgments Persistence, dedication, patience, and the ability to work hard Good writing skills to produce high-quality publications that help build your reputation Good presentation skills to bring your work to the attention of the scientific community Good human-relations skills that help you motivate and gain the cooperation

A Grantsmanship Lesson-1 Ask a successfully funded researcher to critique your grant proposal before you submit it. Be hypothesis-driven, not technique-driven. Clearly state what impact your work will have o a field. Don’t be too ambitious; focus on 3 -5 specific aims. Karen Hopkin, The Scientist 12[5]:11, March 2, 1998.

A Grantsmanship Lesson-2 Always include preliminary data. Be considerate of reviewers: Use readable fonts and leave space between paragraphs. Convey your excitement and enthusiasm. Discuss data interpretation and alternative hypotheses.

A Grantsmanship Lesson-3 Avoid trying to fill the allotted 25 pages. Be organized: Use headings and diagrams to help reviewers get oriented. Call to find out the field best matches your research interests. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Questions to address Specific aims Preliminary results Experimental designs and methods Predicted results Background and Significance Alternative approaches Has answered the questionsHas encountered difficulties YesNo Writing a proposal

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