1st Edition

The Strategic Grant-seeker A Guide To Conceptualizing Fundable Research in the Brain and Behavioral Sciences

By Judy Illes Copyright 1999
    186 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    186 Pages
    by Psychology Press

    An understanding of each of the critical components of the funding process is key to meeting the challenges posed by the increasingly intense competition for research funds. This book is a vital tool for those who want to build and maximize their grant support. Although many publications provide valuable information about proposal preparation, few cover the full spectrum of issues--from planning through execution--in the funding process. The book leads off with a discussion of the relationship between researchers and the funding environment, features of good short- and long-range funding plans, characteristics of funding organizations in terms of funding power, mission, and priorities, and the manner in which funding information is disseminated. Succeeding chapters focus on the actual development of the many different types of opportunities--research projects, multicomponent research programs, career development and training programs, and small business innovation research. These chapters emphasize conceptualizing an idea, optimizing the researcher-sponsor match, and testing the concept for competitiveness. Further chapters deliver strategies for translating research ideas into written proposals, preparing administrative sections and communicating with a sponsor. The final chapters are dedicated to the outcomes of the proposal process: reviews, rebuttals, and resubmissions; and to progress reports and future proposals for maintaining and building on funding. Flowcharts, examples, and summary tables are used throughout the text to highlight key points.

    Contents: Preface. Partners in the Funding Relationship. Project-Based Research. Career Development Programs. Multicomponent Research Programs. Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs. Translating Research Ideas Into Written Proposals: Scientific Sections. Translating Research Ideas Into Written Proposals: Administrative Sections. Preliminary and Ancillary Pragmatic Steps to Proposal Submission. Reviews, Resubmissions, and Rebuttals. Interim and Final Reporting. Competing Renewals. Concluding Remarks.

    Biography

    Judy Illes

    "The aim of this compact, well-organized volume is to guide the hopeful brain and behavioral sciences researcher through the entire proposal and funding process, from conceptualizing an initial project idea all the way to preparation of final reports and competing renewal applications. Particularly for the novice grant-seeker, this volume is a useful aid to cracking the often mystifying world of research funding opportunities....The Strategic Grant-Seeker is well worth including in academic libraries and other facilities used by would-be researchers embarking on the twin challenges of developing meaningful research projects and locating sources interested in funding them."
    Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society

    "Dr. Illes' groundbreaking guide offers useful insights and reassuring advice on how to navigate the murky waters of the grant process."
    Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D.
    University of Washington

    "A great idea, by itself, is rarely enough to secure research funding. This book gives excellent strategic advice on how to turn that idea into a winning proposal, covering all aspects from identifying a suitable funding agency to resubmissions and rebuttals. A true eye opener with regard to strategic considerations involved in proposal writing. Highly recommended for novices and seasoned researchers alike."
    Norbert Schwarz
    Institute for Social Research and Department of Psychology, University of Michig