Key Takeaways from the Grant Writing Workshop


Key learning points from Prof. Tulio de Oliveira on the Art of Grant Writing Workshop. Published at the gem: genomics, epidemics & microbes - Oct/Nov 2024

1. Start with a Strong Idea

A successful grant application begins with a focused, innovative research idea. 'Don’t try to solve all the world’s problems in one grant,' de Oliveira advised. He emphasized the importance of a hypothesis-driven proposal with achievable aims, designed to lay the foundation for further research.

2. Align with the Funder’s Goals

To increase the chances of success, applicants must ensure their proposals align with the strategic goals of the funding body. Whether applying for national (NRF, SAMRC) or international (Wellcome Trust, EDCP) grants, understanding the specific requirements and objectives of the funder is crucial.

3. Plan and Build a Team

Grant writing takes time and collaboration. De Oliveira encouraged participants to plan months in advance, involve co-investigators early, and seek feedback from both scientific and non-scientific peers.

'Don’t submit a half-baked application—reviewers will remember your bad applications,' he warned, stressing the importance of quality over quantity.

4. Learn from Rejection

Rejection is an inevitable part of the process, but it shouldn’t discourage applicants. Instead, de Oliveira encouraged researchers to seek feedback, reassess their strategies, and enhance future applications.

5. Master the Details

Grant writing goes beyond the research plan. Supporting documents like CVs, letters of support, budgets, and data-sharing plans must be meticulously prepared. De Oliveira advised researchers to 'become experts' in all aspects of the grant submission process, from formatting to budget justification.

6. Building a Diversified Funding Portfolio

In a post-pandemic world, securing multiple streams of funding has become more important than ever. De Oliveira encouraged researchers to diversify their funding sources, reducing reliance on a single grant.


Voices from the Workshop

Several attendees shared their reflections on the workshop and how it has enhanced their understanding of grant writing.

Amina Abdullah, a project manager from the Division of Health Systems and Public Research, reflected on her challenges with grant writing: 'I have worked on a grant for a month and not submitted it. Indeed, it’s not a one-man job. I take with me that one should plan ahead. It was also amazing to have an expert willingly and freely sharing their grant sources.'

Hamond Motsi, from the Soil Science department, highlighted the importance of time management and teamwork: 'To enhance grant writing skills, I learned new techniques in writing and searching for grants. It’s a team effort, and I also learned the best way to use feedback to improve.'

Liezel Smith, a senior scientist at the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics , appreciated the sense of community fostered by the workshop: 'It’s good to hear an expert sharing about failure and rejection; this process is daunting and can be lonely. From this lecture, I also realized that mentorship is key even in this regard.'

The Public Square workshop underscored the necessity of mastering grant writing, not just as a technical skill but as a strategic tool for career development. Whether it’s learning to navigate the complexities of funders’ requirements or building a collaborative team, researchers left the workshop with a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of grant applications.

Grant writing is an essential skill for researchers looking to make a lasting impact, and as Professor de Oliveira aptly put it:

'Think like a reviewer—imagine you’re tired, grumpy, and hungry, and then review your application. Make it easy for them to say yes.'


This news piece was published in the gem, Oct/Nov 2024

Click on the image above to read the gem, genomics, epidemics & microbes or scan the qrcode.

News date: 2024-10-31

Links:

https://issuu.com/the.gem/docs/3rdedition_the_gem_newsletter_a4_v2?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ


KRISP has been created by the coordinated effort of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Medical Research Countil (SAMRC).


Location: K-RITH Tower Building
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa.
Director: Prof. Tulio de Oliveira