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Practical tips for writing research and grant proposals 

  • Write clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon and long sentences.  

  • Organise your text using clear headings and subsections with short paragraphs. 

  • Use visuals to your advantage. E.g. labelled diagrams and tables, bullet points and numbered lists.  

  • Put your draft away for a week and look at it again with fresh eyes. 

  • Ask a trusted colleague or friend to read your proposal. 

  • Proofread your final draft more than once. 

  • For online applications: draft your application in a separate text file, then paste the relevant sections into the online form. 

  • Consider printing your draft to check if the formatting is correct. 

The table below is excerpted from Boyle (2020).

Questions to ask yourself about your proposal 

  • Is my research question important? 

  • Is my research proposal new and timely? 

  • Why is it needed now? 

  • Will my research fill a gap in current knowledge? 

  • Who will benefit from or use the results? 

  • Will conducting this research benefit my training/career? 

  • Have I involved the right people to support me in my research? 

  • Will this grant provide me with the resources to successfully complete the research? 
Avoiding pitfalls

  • Choose an area that interests you 

  • Take time to choose an appropriate funder 

  • Read the funder's instructions, requirements, and selection process carefully 

  • Plan and allow plenty of time 

  • Be realistic 

  • Establish good working relationships with your supervisor and/or team 

  • Involve other essential collaborators early 

  • Write clearly and concisely 

Boyle, E.M. (2020). Writing a good research grant proposal. Paediatrics and Child Health, 30(20), 52-56. 

Data management plans (DMPs)

You will often be required to submit a DMP as part of your research proposal or grant application.

For information and templates to help you prepare a DMP, visit the Data Management page of our Planning a Research Project Guide. 

Planning a Research Project Guide

Journal articles:

Online resources:

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