1. I got this great idea! What’s next? Time to start preparing a proposal

2. First page 1 Page max – Needs to be concise! Provide: – Rationale - Why the study is important? - Sentence-by sentence logic justifying the hypotheses – Clear, unambiguous, testable hypotheses – Specific Aims with general methods Finish FIRST page before writing the grant – Takes about 3 months and 20 revisions (not really!) Source: Richard A. Brand, M.D. Bruce Martin, Ph.D. Via Seth Donahue’s presentation

3. Hypotheses Hypothesis = explanation of observed phenomenon in Nature = “theory, view, explanation” Evaluation of proposal begins with reasonableness of hypotheses Hypotheses must be supported by clear logic Hypothesis is a question that must be unambiguously answerable (“yes” or “no”) by the proposed methods Source: Richard A. Brand, M.D. Bruce Martin, Ph.D. Via Seth Donahue’s presentation

4. How to? Develop a Hypothesis. –Write down your prediction of how you think the experiment will turn out. You should predict how changing the independent variable would affect the dependant variable and explain your prediction by using the background information that you gathered from reviewing literature. Helpful Definitions –Variables: Conditions of the experiment that are either kept the same or changed or are the measure of the change. –Independent Variable: The variable that is changed and tested in the experiment. –Dependant Variable: The measure of change. –Constant Variables: Conditions of the experiment that are kept the same. Example ~ Statement of Problem Problem: Will the amount of table salt affect the boiling point temperature of water? Independent Variable: Amount of salt added to the solution Dependent Variable: Boiling point temperature (°C) of solution http://wupcenter.mtu.edu/education/sciencefair/index.html

5. How to build a hypothesis? To be testable, hypothesis needs to be posed in terms of independent and dependent variables Indicate direction of change – Variable A positively correlates with variable B Use a “high” not “low informative content” hypothesis – Low content example: Rain makes the ground wet – Better: the duration of rain, independent of volume, positively correlates with the magnitude and depth of ground moisture content! Formulate parallel not contingent Hypotheses – If H2 is contingent on H1 being true, and H1 is shown to be false……. Source: Richard A. Brand, M.D. Bruce Martin, Ph.D. Via Seth Donahue’s presentation

6. You can deal with the devil if you are familiar with it! Mechanics of proposal preparation

7. Three parts to NSF proposal preparation The main “Stuff”: NSF sees & values most The supplementary stuff: NSF takes notice Invisible stuff to NSF: Research Services What if I am not writing for NSF?

8. First part of the NSF proposal The main “Stuff”: Research Project –Summary/abstract1 page –Project description 15 pages Introduction Background Preliminary data Defined Objectives Methods to be used and data analysis Evaluation of outcome/ Significance of work –References cited 3-4 pages Total about 20 pages Exception: NSF Graduate Fellowship: 2 pages

9. Part Deux: Supplementary Stuff Cover page: 1 page (Title) Table of content: 1 page Biographical sketch: 2 pages (Brief CV) Collaborative letters: 2-3 pages (not support) Budget: # of years + 1 for justification (3+ 1) Current and pending support: 1-2 pages Facilities and Equipment: 1 page Suggested reviewers: 1 page (who not to include)

10. Sequence of documents in the final proposal Cover page: 1 page (Title) Table of content: 1 page Summary: 1 page Description: 15 pages References: 2-3 pages Biographical sketch: 2 pages (Brief CV) Collaborative letters: 2-3 pages Budget: # of years + 1 for justification (3+ 1) Current and pending support: 1-2 pages Facilities and Equipment: 1 page Suggested reviewers: 1 page (not to include too)

11. Research Services: Paperwork Transmittal sheet: 5-6 pages –Who? Co-PI? Title? Where? How much? When due? –Duration? F & A rate? Subcontractor? –Budget? Cost share? By whom? –More Space? Unusual demands on facility? –Hazardous waste? Humans? Recombinant DNA? Live animals? What type of animal you will deal with? –Conflict of interest –Signatures: You, Co-PI, Chair, dean, AOR

12. Timetable for proposal preparation Some say you need a whole year! Minimum one month preparation! Golden mean 3-6 months Order: –Finish first part first. Keep time for Revision! –Then work on part 3 and submit to Research Services –Come back to fill forms for part 2 –Combine 1 and 2. Submit to NSF via FASTLANE

13. Only SRO can submit a proposal (Sponsored Research Office) You prepare files in MS word and upload Each file will automatically get converted to pdf Will be presented to you for approval Will be at your assigned home page You can change them, edit them Fill forms and they are converted too Finally when you say print entire proposal, it will give you one pdf file for your records. These pdf files are sent to reviewers and panel

14. (Switch to Internet for learning more from their demonstration site)

15. DGA = Division of grants and Administration DD = Division Director GPG = Grant proposal guide

16. Stealing from one source is plagiarism, while stealing from many is research: Jacob Kraicer, U Toronto Ethics in Research Do not plagiarize!

17. While you are doing research.. Read a lot and Plan well! Do not waste materials so measure twice and cut once! If you can kill an idea on paper, no experiment is required Do not fudge the data (including documentation) What is the final goal? You will need dedication to realize the dreams!

18. What are the ethical issues in research? Give proper credit to other people’s ideas It is difficult to trace the origin of an idea Be clear about ownership of research materials and contributions of others Everything belongs to Institution so do not take anything without permission when you leave! Keep a clear logbook of your ideas

19. What are ethical issues during publications? Always thank relevant people who helped and funding agencies First author must at least write the first draft First author also should have done most of the work Share the first authorship, otherwise Advisor is most of the time a communicating author (but variations in different field possible). Why? A co-author must have contributed to work Share materials but do not steal!

20. When you review.. Give constructive criticism Keep it confidential and destroy after use Do not steal the ideas Science more important than anything else Do it fast with top priority You are a gate keeper so decide how high the bar should be… Consensus will win at the end!