Learning Objectives/ Aims
• Understand how proposals are constructed from start to finish
• Learn the techniques for effectively communicating your idea or vision in a scientific proposal
• Appreciate how proposals are reviewed, and how you can use this information to your benefit
• Avoid common mistakes that can preclude your proposal from the advanced review stages
Content
Proposal writing is a fundamental component of modern-day science, in which a researcher proposes a line of research to a funding agency with the goal of securing the necessary resources to pursue the research. A successful proposal enables an individual researcher to direct and manage their own research. Whilst the format and emphasis of a proposal can vary depending on the field and objectives, there are nevertheless basic rules that can be followed to greatly enhance the prospects of success.
This interactive workshop will describe the tips and tactics to ensure that your proposal is as competitive as possible. This includes how to effectively transfer ideas to paper by appreciating how proposals are read and evaluated. At the end of this workshop you will have produced an outline of a proposal that adheres to SNSF guidelines (the format is similar for all major funding bodies), and which encapsulates the take-home messages of the workshop.
The workshop is divided into three parts:
• The proposal journey: from idea inception through to writing and submission
• Understanding the organization of a proposal: current research, detailed research plan, etc.
• Ancillary documentation for proposals (particularly fellowships): CV, research output etc.
Methods/Tools
We will work with short lecture bits, interactive exercises and individual seatwork on your proposal draft. In hands-on exercises with an experienced proposal writer and reviewer you will learn to create your own proposal template and how you optimize the ancillary documentation of your applications.
Individual Feedback and Preparation Task
During the course, you will extend the prerequisite one-page summary (see requirements below) into a 3-5 page outline of a proposal using a standard SNSF proposal template, that can easily be adapted to other funding agencies or proposal calls.
In advance of the workshop, think of an idea or scientific project that you would like to propose for funding and upload a draft of max. 1 A4 page 2 weeks prior to the workshop (5 March, 10:00 a.m.). This will form the topic of the executive summary that you will write. You are strongly advised to bring a laptop or pen/paper since you will work incrementally on your proposal during the workshop. If a person does not hand in the draft the participation is cancelled and the place will be offered to someone on the waitlist.

Anmeldefrist: 05.03.2026

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