1. Not clear what impact the research will have (“so what…?”) “Worthy” “solid” (but dull) More of the same, duplicative, unambitious No clear hypothesis or important question Unfocused. Overambitious – too much, no clear plan Methodology insufficiently detailed, limitations not appreciated Lack of preliminary data / appropriate experience Modest publication record (for experienced researchers) Inadequate knowledge and expertise Lack of collaborators, supervision & mentorship Common reasons why proposals fail

2. Being successful Understand the funder –Science: remit and opportunities –Administrative: Forms; CV; page length & number; finance & signatures… Be bold –Ambitious, original… and NOT boring Plan well & be realistic –You will be over-optimistic ! A complex study will roll out slower than you think. –Agreements and authorisations will take time. –Not everything will work. Clarify dependencies, risks and plan contingencies

3. Being successful Discuss and learn –Draw on experienced colleagues, mentors, research Board members, funding officials & patient groups –Learn from “failure” and feedback (<25% of proposals may be funded) Present clearly: person, project, ‘place’ –Be specific: what you aim to achieve, why and how –You will need to inform and persuade a diverse audience –Explain and justify research question / hypothesis design / strategy delivery (methods, collaborations, management); ethics resources

4. Remember… Your application will only be as strong as its weakest link Deliverability Resources Design Need & Potential for Impact Ethics