Research grants: Opportunities and core skills

Introduction

Key terms: acquiring research grants, possible grants in the Netherlands, pitching grant applications, introductory course, relevant for students at the end of their PhD trajectory.

Course information

ECTS: 1,5
Number of sessions: 2
Hours per session: 3

Applying for research grants is central to academic life. Grants open up pathways for academic career development and are often the means by which the employment of junior academics is funded. 

Grants are, however, competitive. It is important as an early-stage researcher to understand the research grants landscape and to start developing essential skills for grant success.

During this course, participants will be introduced to the diverse grant application opportunities in the Netherlands, and trained in writing a grant proposal and an academic CV. Participants will also learn to successfully pitch their research ideas and academic profile to funders. 

The course makes use of examples of successful research proposals, and provides opportunities to practice new skills and obtain feedback from peers.

Who is this for?

Relations with other courses

This course does not have distinct overlap with or relations with other courses offered by the EGSH.

Sessions and preparations

 Session 1: Grant opportunies and features

• An overview of research grant opportunities for new PhDs.
• The research grant proposal and the importance of the abstract.

Session 2: Building your grant proposal

• Peer review of grant proposal abstracts.
• 50 word-summaries: A hallmark of NWO.
• Aspects of the academic CV for research grants: from theory to practice (participants are to bring a copy of their CV to the workshop).
• Reflection on new skills.

Preparations: Assignment regarding the writing of a grant proposal abstract.