You may have heard me talk about the research funding process. This is because getting funded is a process, not a one-shot deal. The problem with taking a one-shot approach at funding is that it leaves too much work on the table. Without follow up, progress that has moved an idea along halts. PIs then often find themselves starting from scratch.

This week, I’m sharing examples of processes that are often thought of as one-time events. My aim is that by presenting a different way of thinking about each of these critical parts of the research funding process, expectations for how they unfold will become more realistic. With a better idea of what to expect along the way, you can stay the course rather than give up too soon. Each of the below processes is part of the metaprocess of winning funding for a research idea.

Getting in touch with funders is a process. It’s important to ask funders if your idea is a fit for their program before you spend significant time preparing a proposal. But getting a hold of them can be a challenge. It makes sense to start with an email inquiry, but if you do not receive a response, you’re not done.

Too many PIs will think ‘well, I tried’ and give up on reaching that person, when in reality they have only begun a process of getting the information they need. Follow ups, LinkedIn messages, phone calls and alternative points of contact are all tactics that can be employed in the process of reaching a person who can help you learn what you need to know.

Getting feedback on whitepapers and proposal drafts is a process. As soon as you start putting your ideas on paper, there’s the potential to get feedback. And that feedback can come in all different forms. Feedback can be as brief as a program officer telling you an idea is not a fit for their program, or feedback can be as lengthy as ten pages of reviewer comments.

If we gather feedback from enough people, often, but not always, a consensus will form. But keep in mind that there is no ultimate authority who can label a research idea good or bad. As you get feedback from different people at various stages of idea development, it’s up to you to determine when you have collected enough and then synthesize the feedback and make a decision on how to move forward.

Writing a proposal is a process. Often, proposal drafting feels like a one-time event because it’s done at the last minute when there is not time to engage in much of the process around what it takes to craft a successful proposal. For example, I recommend writing the project summary or abstract first and then coming back to revise that document after the other parts of the proposal are drafted. Working with your research office, gathering information from collaborators, and editing are all additional parts of this process. The greatest challenge I see here is PIs not allowing enough time. Respect the process for better outcomes.

A decline is part of a process. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions upon learning that a proposal has been declined. When you are ready, think about a Plan B. In most cases, the declined proposal will come with some feedback to inform your decisions. Conversations with funders, colleagues, and mentors will all be part of your process to determine whether resubmission, targeting a new funder, collecting supporting data, scoping down, or another course of action makes sense. When you can see the decline as a bump in the road rather than a complete derailment, it will sting less.

Zooming out and taking a longer-range view of a situation can help put things in perspective. Is there something you’ve been thinking of as a fait accompli, something that is done and irreversible, but is actually just part of a process? Try to look at it that way.

Workshop for New Faculty & Researchers

For the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI) PI Intensive for New Faculty and Researchers: Building the Tools for Your Career in Research

This day-and-a-half workshop will take place in Chicago on October 24-25th .

We will dive into topics such as

✔️ Understanding the responsibilities of a principal investigator

✔️ Developing competitive grant applications

✔️ Negotiating effectively with your institution

✔️ Employing project management approaches in research

I am co-leading this event. Please see this page for more information and to register. Note that this is an SRAI (not a Wise Investigator) event.

It would be wonderful to meet some newsletter subscribers in person in Chicago. Please send me an email ([email protected]) if you have any questions. 👋 

When you are ready, here’s how we can help

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 10-week program to get you there.

Ready to book a call to discuss our program or to have Dr. Barzyk provide training at your institution? Let’s chat!