Build-a-Grant, Section by Section

In this round-up are building blocks for key grant sections gathered from Edge for Scholars blogs. Some sections are specific to NIH, while others generalize to many sponsors.

A Blueprint for Execution: Like any builder, you’ll benefit from a solid plan. Check out this overview for pacing your grant writing to completion.

Specific Aims: Capture the reviewers’ attention and get them to turn the page.

At this time, figures are permitted in Specific Aims. However, figures will soon be disallowed in abstracts.
Consider yourself a salesperson:
- Structure Aims using the Problem-Amplify-Story/Solution-Transformation/Testimony-Offer-Response (PASTOR) method.
- Or dress your aims in peacoats PICOTS (Population-Intervention/Exposure-Comparator-Outcome-Timing-Setting).
Proposing an observational study? Ace your aims with these protips.

Research Strategy: These three sections are the meat of major research proposals. Of these, data show the Approach drives reviewer scores.

1. Significance: Begin with stating the critical problem in the field and how you’ll address it, then briefly summarize the “rigor of prior research” to address Significance, NIH-style.

2. Innovation: Treat this section like a marketing pitch. Using fresh ideas like bullets, quotes, and vignettes prevent it from becoming dense text.

3. Approach: A sound approach is required for a smooth landing. This checklist provides a glidepath so you won’t crash on approach.

Clinical Trials & Human Subjects Participant Research: Definitions and requirements changed in 2018. Edge for Scholars summarized the major considerations. Also double-check your RFA designation regarding clinical trials (“optional”, “required”) and use the checklist tools to confirm how NIH will view your proposal.

Responsible Conduct of Research: Career development awards require a page about the candidate’s intended training in the responsible conduct of research. Also, refer to NIH’s RCR page (K awards, F awards) for key verbiage and elements to include.

You can probably count much of what you already do.
You need not include an exhaustive grocery list of every possible opportunity.

Rigor, Reproducibility, & Transparency: A newer requirement that you may be encountering for the first time. This also includes validation of biological samples. See also NIH’s RRT descriptions.

There is some overlap with RCR activities and Approach checklist items
Benefits for you: activities you are already doing may satisfy more than one are requirement, e.g., seminars, mentor meetings, validation of research materials.
Benefits for the reviewer: thoughtfully repeat (or reference the earlier mentions) the qualifying activities in each section to help reviewers find items they are required to find.