1. Thoughts on developing a research application Philip C. Clarkson Australian Catholic University

2. Getting Started Normally allocations will be (very) competitive. ‘Why is it worth doing?’ ‘Why should we give you money to do it?’

3. Start Small Pilot projects. Get a project going that does not need money initially but you can publish something from it, give a conference paper, etc. Work with someone else who has a name.

4. Finding a source of money Not always necessary. Internal and/or external. Look in the Australian on Saturdays and Wednesdays. (Other papers?) Ask other colleagues in ACU and from elsewhere. Propose a project to a potential resource (CEO, Govt Dept, Computer company, Large independent school.) Start at least six months ahead of the application date Be realistic: start small.

5. Developing the application Get the correct forms. Read the advice pages/booklets. Talk to advisers and past successful applicants.

6. Quality Originality Curiosity Driven Topical Significant New Sharp Creative Innovative

7. Readability a must.

8. Communicative not just to experts in the minute field of research you work in (but it is for them too!), but to reasonably educated people who may not be in Education.

9. Previous Publications – a big help to essential. Relevant to projects. Quality publications overall. (May consider teaming up with someone who has.)

10. Coherent rationale and plan for project showing that it is feasible re: Time Resources Outcome likely?

11. Evidence of ‘pilot work’ for empirical work, or ‘prior thought’ for non- empirical.

12. Significance Theoretical and/or leading to intervention. Don’t confuse research with curriculum development.

13. Past record of successful grant applications and completion.

14. Can you link your proposal to priority areas of; University Government policy Professional associations Group to whom you are applying?

15. No No’s in developing the application Long, verbose You go over the number of pages stipulated It appears that the project has been completed or nearly so.

16. Budgetary padding. Only budget for items you are allowed to. Replacement teaching may be OK, may be not. Computers are normally a no no Everything in the budget is at priority A1 You say you can not start project until money is available.

17. You nominate an assessor who; Will be utterly unrealistic Has not worked in the area at all Is unavailable With whom you have had 10 joint publications With whom you have worked with for the last 5 years Is your wife, husband, partner….

18. You estimate you will be working 20 days per month on project (about 4-8 days per month for all projects is more acceptable)

19. Summary of Application When you write the summary, major on the significance of the project, not what you will do.

20. Checklist for Reality Have you prioritised the budget? Have you debated with someone the pros and cons of the proposal? Have you had someone else read the proposal? Can you realistically complete the project? Is it worth the time and effort writing a proposal for the monetary return? ‘Why is it worth doing?’ ‘Why should we give you money to do it?’