What do funders look for in a research grant application? Top tips for Early Career Researchers

As part of the Children & Young People’s Mental Health: Early Career Researchers’ Forum on 23 September, eNurture Director Prof Gordon Harold hosted an ‘Ask the Expert’ session on ‘What funders look for in a research grant application?’

Prof Gordon Harold: A Brief Introduction

Professor of Psychology, Education and Mental Health, University of Cambridge
Director of eNurture Network
Member of UKRI-ESRC Expert Advisory Group
Former member of ESRC Capability Committee and Strategic Advisory Network
Chair of Sift and Interview Panels, UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (past 5 rounds)
Multiple other grant funding panels spanning ESRC, MRC, NIHR and others

See below for the top tips on writing successful grant applications that Gordon shared with early career researchers working in the field of children and young people’s mental health.

Tips and advice for writing a successful grant application

Have a clear and compelling idea - share this with others, is the idea accessible/understandable and convincing?
Identify the funder/scheme, familiarize yourself with the application process and requirements including the submission deadline. Speak to the funder if it’s helpful - funders are approachable.
Be clear on scheme specifics, differentiate Fellowship from Grant/Project applications – they have different focus and requirements.
Select your scheme/funder carefully, be realistic in terms of what you are asking for and why, familiarize yourself with relevant review panels and related expertise.
Writing the proposal – lay out your case for support, get it down on paper. Grant writing is not like academic paper writing, you have to ‘sell’ your idea, the best place to start is by writing. Start with the research idea, be sure you are clear on why your idea is a good idea relative to funder interests.
Get feedback - ask people who are likely to be objective (not always your own lab or friends), including your organisation’s research or grants office.
Read copies of successful and unsuccessful applications to get a sense of what funders are looking for and how to pitch your proposal.
Give yourself plenty of time - complete the draft and allow enough time to revise and review. Most ECRs have competing demands on their time so make sure you protect your grant writing time.
You are writing for two audiences: reviewers and panel members – you need to convince the former and be accessible to the latter.
Most importantly…
“Don’t be afraid or intimidated by the idea of submitting a research proposal/grant application. Start the process and enjoy it. Research is fun!”

Click here to watch recordings of the keynote presentations from the ECR Forum.