Membrain with Carolina: Funding in Academia, networking and turning rejections into opportunities

In this episode, Alan and Roslyn, experts in securing research funding, share their insights on the essential strategies and mindset required to successfully obtain grants. They emphasize the importance of being opportunistic and open-minded, suggesting that prioritising the funder over the idea can often be more effective. They also highlight the necessity of a clear vision and long-term strategy for building a successful research environment.

Key points discussed include the importance of good networking support, resilience, and passion. Roslyn notes that clarity in grant applications is crucial, as funders are attracted to well-defined and concise proposals. The duo also discusses the significance of choosing the right funder and team members, leveraging their strengths to complement each other.

The episode provides practical advice on grant review processes, likening it to browsing books in a bookstore: quickly assessing if the proposal aligns with the funder’s interests. Alan and Roslyn stress the need to be receptive to feedback, recycle and resubmit proposals, and use setbacks as opportunities for improvement.

Listeners are encouraged to focus on what they can control, work with people they enjoy collaborating with, and continuously refine their ideas and applications. Alan and Roslyn's complementary skills — Alan's ability to create initial drafts and Roslyn's talent for polishing them—underscore the value of teamwork in the grant writing process.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize funder needs over the initial idea.
• Be opportunistic.
• Maintain a clear, long-term vision and strategic plan.
• Build strong networks and seek feedback.
• Embrace resilience and use criticism constructively.
• Collaborate with a team that complements your strengths.
• Work at Aston.

Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive guide for researchers aiming to navigate the complexities of securing funding for their projects.

Subscribe on Spotify as well, if you prefer an audio only version.