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Proposal Development

Assessing Your Background

Assessment     Background      Idea       Environment    

• Are you ready to submit a proposal? If not, what do you need to do first?
• Do you have a record of publication in the subject area of your proposed project?
• Do you have convincing evidence that you are a qualified applicant?
• How much effort will you be able to commit to the project if it is funded?
• Does the proposed project support your career goals?
• Does the proposed project support the goals of participating organizations?
  
  

Are you ready to submit a proposal? If not, what do you need to do first?

If your proposal idea stems from recent work, take time to compile a data packet or write a summary and submit it to a professional journal for publication, if you have not already done so.

If you are planning a program that will require involvement of other University departments or community organizations and you have not yet established a planning team, make that your first priority.

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Do you have a record of publication in the subject area of your proposed project?

Reviewers are looking for a proven track record of success. If you have not yet established a successful track record in the subject area of your proposed project, consider teaming up with a senior investigator in that field or consider partnering with another department or organization.

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Do you have convincing evidence that you are a qualified applicant?

Again, take a look at your track record. In many cases, you may be qualified to conduct most, but not all, of the project work. In these cases, identify collaborators for that part of the research or program which is outside your area of expertise. For example, you may be well qualified to collect data on your proposed topic but may not have the expertise to perform the necessary statistical analyses of the data. In this case you would want to identify a qualified statistician to perform statisitical evaluation of the data.

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How much effort will you be able to commit to the project if it is funded?

Reviewers are interested in knowing how much time you will be able to commit to a project. If you are already juggling several commitments and will not be able to commit an adequate percentage of your time to the project if it is funded, consider reducing your other commitments to accommodate the time your proposed project will require.

If you are working with a project team, ask team members to determine what resources their organizations will be able to commit to the project, including how much staff time will be available for the project. Clarifying expectations up front is essential to successful project planning, implementation and evaluation.

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Does the proposed project support your career goals?

Reviewers look for continuity in an investigator's career and they reward expertise. Choose research projects that support your career interests and goals.

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Does the proposed project support the goals of participating organizations?

Reviewers look for continuity and commitment in organizational programming. Choose funding opportunities that will help you and your partnering organizations reach your common goals.

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