Research is funded based on the likely significance of the contribution to knowledge. However, it’s tricky to know what that is prior to doing the research. In this post, I use the example of Fermat’s Last Theorem to draw out some of the issues and propose some strategies for tackling this in your research proposal.
Thinking about hiring research assistants
Posted on May 14, 2013 by 2 Comments
Are you reluctant to hire Research Assistants?
I was reading a blog post about hiring in a small business and this paragraph resonated with conversations I’ve had with researchers. “I believe that I am a genius at some things and not others. And that I need to hire geniuses in the other areas.” It’s a bit different when you think about research assistants because one purpose of hiring them is to provide apprenticeship opportunities. But that just extends this perspective rather than negating it.
Why writing Intended Outcomes, Specific Aims, or Objectives is so hard
Posted on May 9, 2013 by 1 Comment
In 7 years of working with academics to develop strong grant proposals, the most common weak area I’ve seen is the objectives. I am not working with students or others who are new to the academic game. I support faculty (academic staff, in UK parlance). Some are in early stages of their careers but others [...]
“I don’t really need the money.”
Posted on May 2, 2013 by
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this from researchers talking about applying for grants. It is usually a sign that they feel pressure to apply for a grant but don’t really feel like they need one. Not needing the money is a good thing Competition is pretty stiff for most grants. The fact that [...]
Did you get a SSHRC Insight Development Grant in June 2012?
Posted on April 25, 2013 by
I know you aren’t even a year into the development grant process but … If you have 2 years funding, you will run out of money in June 2014. If you know how this project will continue and you want your next grant to be continuous with this one (or at least have a chance [...]
