This module provides comprehensive training in research proposal development and evaluation, with a focus on federal funding agencies and foundation grants. You’ll learn to craft compelling proposals, practice NSF-style panel review, and develop the skills necessary to secure funding for bioinspired communication research projects.
“The Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is a comprehensive resource that outlines NSF’s proposal preparation and submission requirements, as well as award management guidelines.” Pay special attention to Chapter II for proposal preparation.
“NSF’s merit review process is designed to ensure that proposals are evaluated fairly and consistently. Proposals are reviewed for intellectual merit and broader impacts.” Understanding these criteria is essential for successful proposal writing.
Explore NSF’s various funding opportunities across disciplines, with specific attention to programs relevant to bioinspired communication research (e.g., CBET, ECCS, IOS).
“The Broader Impacts criterion requires that you articulate how your research will benefit society and contribute to the achievement of specific, desired societal outcomes.” This toolkit provides guidance for developing strong broader impacts statements.
Comprehensive guide to NIH grant applications, including formatting requirements, required components, and submission procedures.
Understand how NIH reviews proposals using criteria including Significance, Investigator, Innovation, Approach, and Environment.
Browse NIH funding opportunities by activity code (R01, R21, etc.) and research area.
“The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States.” The solicitation contains detailed application instructions and review criteria.
The GRFP uses modified merit review criteria focusing on Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, with specific emphasis on the potential of the applicant.
Review successful past applications to understand what makes a competitive GRFP proposal.
Learn from common errors that can weaken your application.
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award for doctoral students in health-related research.
Fellowships for students committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level in U.S. colleges and universities.
Provides funding and community for exceptional students in applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences.
Learn about Gates Foundation’s approach to funding research and their specific application requirements.
Information on Sloan’s research funding priorities and application process.
Funding opportunities for early-career professors working on projects in computer science and related disciplines.
Information on CZI’s research funding priorities and request for applications.
“A successful proposal clearly articulates the intellectual merit of the proposed research and its broader impacts on society.” This toolkit provides specific guidance for each section of an NSF proposal.
Step-by-step guide to developing a compelling research proposal, with examples from successful applications.
Cognitive science perspective on effective proposal writing strategies.
NSF’s guide to developing competitive proposals, including common pitfalls to avoid.
“A strong Broader Impacts statement describes how the proposed research will advance discovery and understanding while promoting teaching, training, and learning.”
Practical examples and templates for developing meaningful broader impacts activities.
Search for recently funded NSF awards to see successful proposals in your field.
Search NIH-funded research projects to identify funding trends and successful applications.
Comprehensive guide to writing successful grant proposals.
Research on what makes proposals successful in the peer review process.
Important for addressing potential conflicts during collaborative proposal development.