This entry is a little bit about my work as a scientist.
We are almost sending off a grant application to NIH. "An application" will be a PDF file with attached PDF files.
Grant application is basically a paperwork. It is the same process for many different grants.
What you need to prepare is;
Title
Narrative (2-3 sentences)
Summary (<30 lines)
Biosketch for key personnel (<5 pages/person)
Facilities (1 page)
Equipment (1 page)
References cited (no limit)
Budget spreadsheet
Budget justification (1-2 page)
Specific Aims (1 page)
Research Strategy (12 page)
Vertebrate animals (2-4 page)
Select agent (1 page)
Letter(s) of Support
Data sharing plan (1 page)
Authentication (1 page)
Cover letter (1 page)
Do you see it a lot of work, or not?
Writing is one thing. The way you write, and the skill for writing appealing grants, is called grantsmanship. Like any other skills, there are people who are good at it, and mentors, coaches, advisers, and editors you can turn to.
Establishing credibility is another. Grant is money that they invest. They do not want to invest on someone shaky and unfounded. You need to appeal to them that you are solid scientist through your proposal itself and your records (publication, reputation, work history, etc), and that the grant money will be well spent for the sake of public health. If you need to team up with someone to get the proposed job done, you got to make the arrangements.
I anticipate this proposal to go through our university offices internally next week. Once the final version checked and approved by the grant office (Office of Research Administration), the application will be electronically submitted to the NIH.
[Up until several years back, there were still grants that had to be submitted with hard copies/printouts. Time has changed.]
Grant application is a paperwork, seeking government or funder's contracts to fund your proposed research. It is one of small number of ways to fund your science, meaning, it is terribly important for scientists. Unless you have your funding source (the money), this fundraising business/grant writing is something you got to deal with.
With this proposal almost out, I've started working on the next one.
Cancer Center symposium is coming up on 2/2, and slides for the 20+5 minutes talk should be submitted by 1/24.
To get them done, I calculate what is needed, how much work is needed, how much time is needed, then decide priorities in my schedule. I want to throw in some time to dance, too. But for a time being, my priority is on my money-making activities.
This is how science is done under capitalism.
