Put aside what you know about writing research projects, book reviews and class lessons; grant-writing is a different beast. From highly focused aim pages and mentoring plans, to biosketches and budgets, grant-writing is quirky and complex.
On Grant Writing, the newest series from Indiana University School of Medicine Faculty Affairs and Professional Development (FAPD), aims to demystify the process of grant-writing by providing strategies and best practices, said Gustavo Arrizabalaga, PhD, assistant dean for FAPD, director of faculty mentoring in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, co-principal investigator for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) and one of the co-presenters of the On Grant Writing series.
“Grant-writing is critical to our ability to fund, perform and disseminate the biomedical research that is important to the work of IU School of Medicine and the future of medicine and health care,” said Arrizabalaga. It is a complex process that requires integration of knowledge and ideas. "While typically grant-writing is approached as something that is mastered through practice and trial-and-error, effective grant-writing can be taught and learned," he said.
- The NIH Review Process
- Rhetorical Patterns of the NIH Aims Page
- The NIH Biosketch
- Training and Mentoring Components of a K Application
- Data Management Plans
- NIH Funding and Beyond
- Collaborators, PIs, mPIs, Co-Investigators, Consultants and More
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Effective Grant Writing
Because the NIH is the largest and most well-known source of funding for biomedical research, it will be the primary focal point of the series. However, the series will also cover alternative sources of funding and will help attendees connect with other resources available through Indiana University, including the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Ruth Lilly Medical Library, Nature Masterclasses library and more.
“Among the biggest resources at Indiana University School of Medicine are its faculty and staff,” said Arrizabalaga. “This series leverages the in-house experience and expertise in grant-writing. I’m excited to connect our own experts with those who are new to the grant-writing process and those looking to hone their skills.”
The power of the program doesn’t stop with high-quality thought leaders and great content. It provides space where people can build connections and community, too, said Hobson.
While preparing her first grant request as a principal investigator (PI) in recent months, Hobson said there were several people who were willing to teach her about the nuances of grant-writing. “You know, those supportive relationships really mean a lot,” she said. The speakers presenting On Grant Writing sessions “are people who are really willing to give their time to people who are earlier-career. It’s a chance for them to share their knowledge and experiences, and for people to make connections” both with the speakers and with fellow attendees.
For Hobson, working with Arrizabalaga and Research Affairs to create this program was a chance to give back. “I have a particular affinity for our biomedical scientists,” she said. “What they do is a big deal. And their ability to continue doing amazing research that changes lives, that leads to new discoveries — it all hinges on getting funding. And their ability to train future scientists hinges on getting grant funds, too. It’s really important. … So to be part of creating something that will help them to keep doing that fantastic research and keep trying to understand things, feels really good.”
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Register for On Grant Writing
On Grant Writing is open to anyone interested in learning more about grant-writing, including faculty, staff and learners.
Learn more and register for the sessions that interest you by clicking on the links below.
- Aug. 20 | The NIH Review Process
- Sept. 25 | Rhetorical Patterns of the NIH Aims Page
- Oct. 29 | The NIH Biosketch
- Nov. 21 | Training and Mentoring Components of a K Application
- Dec. 19 | Data Management Plans
- Jan. 22 | NIH Funding and Beyond
- Feb. 26 | Collaborators, PIs, mPIs, Co-Investigators, Consultants and More
- March 5 | Budget and Budget Justification
- April 17 | Effective Grant Writing
