??On Tuesday the 15th of October, researchers, scientists, and scholars from various fields gathered for an insightful lecture and workshop on grant writing, hosted by the SU Public Squares initiative. This initiative, managed by Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Division for Research Development (DRD) and led by Dr. Astrid Treffry-Goatley, is designed to foster researcher capacity in collaboration, develop bold and creative ideas, and support the pursuit of competitive grant proposals.
The workshop was led by Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), who has an extensive track record in securing large-scale research grants. His message was clear: successful grant writing is not a solitary endeavor--it takes teamwork, preparation, and persistence.
Why Grant Writing Skills Are Essential for Researchers
In today's competitive research environment, the ability to write compelling grant applications is a vital skill for securing funding and advancing an academic career. Grants not only provide financial resources but also serve as a springboard for academic independence, allowing researchers to explore innovative ideas and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Astrid quote: “In the Public Squares, 11 transdisciplinary research teams have come together to develop innovative projects with meaningful societal impact. Through our lecture and workshop series, we aim to help these teams to actualise their ideas—to successfully develop, deliver and fund their projects. The grant writing lecture and masterclass on 15 October is a key component in our strategy. Attendees enjoyed the informative, humorous presentation delivered by Prof. Tulio de Oliveira. We are grateful for his efforts to help our teams successfully navigate the competitive world of grant writing. “
Professor de Oliveira emphasized that grant writing isn't just about securing funding; it's about understanding how to align research goals with funders' priorities, learning how to effectively communicate complex ideas, and building a strong collaborative network. "Writing successful grants is not a one-man show. It takes teamwork," he noted, setting the tone for the workshop.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop
Professor de Oliveira provided invaluable advice on the grant writing process, breaking it down into actionable steps:
- Start with a Strong Idea
A good grant application begins with a focused, innovative research idea. "Don't try to solve all the world's problems in one grant," de Oliveira advised. He stressed the importance of a hypothesis-driven proposal with achievable aims, designed to lay the groundwork for further research. - Align with the Funder's Goals
To succeed, applicants must ensure that their proposals fit closely with the strategic goals of the funding body. Whether applying for national (NRF, SAMRC) or international (Wellcome Trust, EDCP) grants, understanding the specific requirements and objectives of the funder is crucial. - Plan Ahead and Build a Team
Successful grant writing takes time and collaboration. De Oliveira encouraged participants to plan months in advance, involve co-investigators early, and seek feedback from multiple sources—both scientific and non-scientific. "Don't submit a half-baked application—reviewers will remember your bad applications," he warned, stressing the importance of quality over quantity. - Learn from Rejection
Rejection is an inevitable part of the process. Rather than being discouraged, applicants should view it as an opportunity to improve. "You are not alone," de Oliveira said, reminding attendees to seek feedback, reassess their strategies, and look for ways to enhance future applications. - Master the Details
Grant writing goes beyond the research plan. Supporting documents such as CVs, letters of support, budgets, and data sharing plans must be meticulously prepared. De Oliveira advised researchers to "become an expert" in all aspects of grant submission, from formatting to budget justification.
Building a Diversified Funding Portfolio
In a post-pandemic world, securing multiple streams of funding has become more important than ever. De Oliveira encouraged researchers to build a diversified portfolio by seeking funding from various sources, reducing reliance on a single grant. “Work with various groups of people from various sectors," he said, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Voices from the Workshop
Several attendees shared their reflections on the workshop and how it has enhanced their understanding of grant writing.
Amina Abdullah, a Project Manager from the Division of Health Systems and Public Research, reflected on her own challenges with grant writing:
"I have worked on a grant for a month and not submitted it. It's not a one-man job—you need input from co-investigators. Plan ahead, and don't take just one month. It was also amazing to have an expert willingly and freely sharing their grant sources."
Hamond Motsi, also from the Soil Science Department, highlighted the importance of time management and teamwork:
"To enhance grant writing skills, I learned new techniques in writing and searching for grants. It's a team effort, and I also learned the best way to use feedback to improve."
Kiprotich Kelvin, a PhD candidate and Hamond Motsi from the Soil Science Department shared his thoughts: "As a young scientist and a junior scholar, I needed this knowledge. I now understand what a funder needs, which is crucial for me to write a great proposal."
Liezel Smith, a senior scientist at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 and DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, appreciated the sense of community fostered by the workshop.
"A sense of community—we cannot rely on individuals. It's good to hear experts share their experiences with failure I also realised that mentorship is key even in this regard."
Conclusion
The Public Square workshop underscored the necessity of mastering grant writing, not just as a technical skill, but as a strategic tool for career development. Whether it's learning to navigate the complexities of funders' requirements or building a collaborative team, researchers left the workshop with a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of grant applications.
Grant writing is an essential skill for researchers looking to make a lasting impact, and as Professor de Oliveira aptly put it, "Think like a reviewer—imagine you're tired, grumpy, and hungry, and then review your application. Make it easy for them to say yes."
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