BU Research Blog

On Friday last week the RDU organised two bidding workshops with John Wakeford of the Missenden Centre.

John left the groups with some important points to remember when writing funding applications.

Here are John’s top tips for bid writing success……

Top ten rules for readability:

• think about your audience
• think how they will read it
• only use words they will understand
• plan
• engaging title and first sentence
• every word counts
• avoid -ve words, difficulties, conditionals
• face problems, but replace with challenges/opportunities
• short sentences
• eliminate jargon, and minimise acronyms

 Key features of a good proposal:

• investigate funders’ current priorities
• contact CRE Ops, RPRS, identify potential reviewers and book them in
• read carefully the precise rules for submissions
• check agreement among your collaborators
• allow time for multiple drafts

Strategies for success:

• network, network, network
• hitch your wagon to a star
• be in contact with funders
• why should they want to fund you?
• ensure you are the world expert
• guarantee impact
• clear your diary
• re-use ideas on different context and try again
• deliver on title
• re-read and consider:
• why should it be funded?
• how would the world be different if it wasn’t?

If you are thinking about writing a funding proposal please contact Caroline O’Kane and find out about how the RPRS can support your bid.

To find out more about John Wakeford’s sessions please contact Susan Dowdle or Caroline O’Kane.