How to get a wiki going? It occurs to me that to write about something that the majority of the users will know much more about than me might be a very good way. Indeed I may even build-in some deliberate mistakes!:-

The research funding application process

It goes without saying that the quality of the application you submit will determine whether or not you are successful. And therein lies the problem: too often it goes unsaid and apparently unappreciated.

Allow enough time.

Preparing a draft proposal and consulting on it, preparing the project costings and getting advice on these, as well as reading the regulations of the grants scheme to learn what is and what is not permissible, are all time-consuming parts of the process of application.

Study your target funder

All funding agencies will have their own criteria for deciding on allocation of their resources. It is worth while taking time to familiarise yourself with these and ensuring that your application clearly addresses your targeted source of support. Four characteristics of all successful applications:
They must:

• promise excellent research
• be of value to potential users outside or within the research community
• convince of the ability to deliver research
• demonstrate value for money (not necessarily the same as cheapness).

Look at alternative sources

Most applicants will usually target tried and tested sources of funding, which are already oversubscribed. What many do not know is that a large number of private companies have money set aside for funding research that they feel may be beneficial to them. In these cases, it is best to approach these sources directly, stating clearly what benefits your reserach can bring to the company.

Rules

Read the rules and any guidance notes attached to the application form which are designed to help you through the 'filling in' process.. Make sure you are using the current versions of any documents.

Talk

Discuss you application with peer groups, colleagues and, with people that have done it before – er …. and been successful! Contact anyone you intend to nominate as referee and make sure they know and understand what you are doing.

Costings

Justify your costings and probably for more than any other aspect of the application follow the rules to the letter. Be realistic in both directions (not too little result for too much money or too much work for too little money). Think really carefully about the time and resources needed to complete the research successfully within the specified period. Awards will be based on the eligible costings included in applications so it is important to get costings right when applying. A well thought out financial plan helps to create confidence in the proposal generally. Give as detailed a breakdown of costs as possible and make sure that what you are asking for is allowed within the rule.

Content and Presentation

The research proposal is your way to convince the funder that your application is worth funding so think carefully about what information you are going to give and how it is presented. Make sure you think your plan through and cover all stages. Write in plain English. Your proposal is likely to be seen by many people, some of whom may not be well versed in your specialisation. Detail and specification may necessitate the use of disciplinary or technical terminology and this will be clear to peer reviewers, but the ideas you wish to convey and your reasons for doing so should be apparent to a wide audience. Also check spelling, grammar and punctuation. These are all part of the quality of presentation and presentation matters!

• Clearly state the issue in its context and how your work will contribute alongside existing knowledge/research
• Establish appropriate aims and objectives
• Give a full and detailed description of the proposed research methods
• Give very careful consideration to data collection. Consider existing data resources. Establish/contact any relevant data service. Be sure that access will be given where necessary.
• Demonstrate a clear and systematic approach to the analysis of data
• Consider ethical/legal issues of what you plan to do.
• Provide a balanced bibliography with aselection of referees to indicate familiarity with the theoretical grounding and current state of the art
• Identify potential users of the research outside of the academic community and maybe even consult with them
• Consider the possibility of co-funding of the research where this is within the rules
• Provide a clear dissemination strategy for the research demonstrating how outcomes will be communicated to all interested parties including potential users of the research outside of the academic community.

Dissemination

There is much more emphasis for this outside academia than there used to be (so be aware of this when seeking advice from ‘old hands’). As well as other academics; government departments, public bodies, businesses, institutions (such as the RIBA!) voluntary organisations may be among the other interested parties. When planning the project consult with and involve people who could make a valuable contribution to the research and who could provide support and interest.

Check

Once you have completed the application form make sure that all the required information is provided.