The Write Rules

Katherine Hartmann, MD, PhD

Time to repent of these 10 basic writing sins.

Three (Grant) Peeves in a Pod: Check Yourself

Cranky Reviewer

Reviewers review. We will notice. These fresh mistakes straight from study section: 1.) Please agree with yourself. If the abstract says n = 110, the aims say 100, the statistical section says 110, and the budget justification says 100, it makes me cranky. 2.) Please explain yourself. When presenting power/sample size calculations let me know […]

Finally! Data on What Study Section Really Cares About

Fighty Squirrel, PhD, Awe.Some.

Nine years ago, NIH revamped their scoring system asking reviewers to provide numbers ranging from 1 (best) to 9 (worst) assessing applications Environment, Investigator, Innovation, Approach, and Significance. NIH has emphasized Innovation (insert jazz hands), leaving many a weary grant writer to feel a need to invent fabulous new techniques to take DNA out of […]

Taking Flight

Katherine Hartmann, MD, PhD

If you want to be off your K or similar career development award before the end of five years, the calendar will tell you that you can't start later than the third year to submit a substantial grant.

Write Like a Boss: Five Minutes to Better Science Writing

Fighty Squirrel, PhD, Awe.Some.

If your writing is starting to look a little frayed around the edges and lacking that enthusiastic zing you had when you first got to the keyboard, its time for you to up your stylistic game. Three great resources are available to help you improve your writing in five minutes or less. First, think about your […]

Using Timelines to Diagnose Problems in Career Planning

Katherine Hartmann, MD, PhD

Translating intended goals into a single simple image as a timeline is a powerful tool for staying on track.

Mapping the Path for K (or R) Submission

The Edge for Scholars

If you'll be submitting a grant in June, now is the time to start preparations.  Pacing yourself is key to a successful grant submission that doesn't leave you wrung out.

Creed: Taking a Beating

Katherine Hartmann, MD, PhD

Getting out of the ring too early is the most common cause of death of scientific ideas. Fight on.

Acing Your Observational Research Aims

The Edge for Scholars

All research proposals – grants, dissertations, internal funding – must ace the description of aims.

Fresh Ideas for Writing Innovation in Your NIH Grants

Katherine Hartmann, MD, PhD

Remember you are marketing your ideas. Give your pitch to colleagues, family and friends until the innovation and value-proposition are clear in plain language.