Strategies for Successful Proposal Writing by Prof. Mike Chantler

In his insightful presentation, Prof. Mike Chantler from Heriot-Watt University emphasizes the importance of perseverance and feedback in the proposal writing process. He highlights key aspects such as preparation, starting with the JeS Summary, and engaging the ICT reviewing community effectively. Prof. Chantler also underscores the need to convey excitement and ambition while mitigating risks through a clear work program. His advice serves as a valuable guide for aspiring proposal writers.

• Proposal writing
• Prof. Mike Chantler
• Feedback
• ICT community
• Preparation

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1. Writing Proposals - there is no magic bullet Prof Mike Chantler Heriot-Watt University 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 1

2. Writing proposals Mike s personal opinions There is no magic bullet It is a noisy process don t give up Learn from anyone who is willing to help Get folk to give you as much feedback as you can before submission You have to have an idea that excites you! 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 2

3. Preparation List all the sections of the proposal that you have to provide Include the JeS form narratives Reviewers focus on the cfs part II Speakers will focus on reviews and rebuttal Panel often skims JeS Summary and Objectives 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 3

4. Where to start Write the JeS Summary and Objectives It s difficult But, if you get it right then you have the proposal s golden thread If you can t write the summary then you don t have a proposal 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 4

5. What next Write cfs part II. Start with goals! End with short, sharp conclusion Yes I know that this is not the normal format 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 5

6. The ICT reviewing community is a wide and diverse community Write for boththe ICT expert and generalist ! Hopefully reviewers will be experts 1st speaker will be an ICT generalist 2nd speaker will have expertise in your or a related area Write your case-for-support for generalist and expert. Make good use of visual cues and signposting for the speed reader Reviewers will probably read all of the case for support and skim attachments Speakers will read reviews + rebuttal and only refer to proposal to resolve disputes Write your rebuttal for the speakers, not reviewers! 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 6

7. Excitement and Risk You must communicate your excitement to the reviewers and speakers Risk and scope: shoot for the world Be ambitious But make it clear in the work programme that you have fallbacks which will at least advance your case for world domination Make the how explicit: use methodology and workplan Keep the workplan simple 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 7

8. Clearly Communicate Be clear about: What you are going to do and how you will measure success Why it is important what impact it will have Why you have the team to do the job Why you are excited about the potential of the work 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 8

9. Help your reader find information quickly Use headings and white space to help the speed reader navigate quickly Use signposting to reinforce and be explicit about novelty , timeliness etc e.g. A crucial research question that must be addressed in the near term is . 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 9

10. Impact and Resources Do small pathways to impact activities now. And refer to them in your proposal to add credibility to your proposed activities Resources: ask for what you need to do the project no less, no more. Asking for too much harms your credibility Asking for too little brings into question your management skills 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 10

11. Internal Reviewing Get lots of formal and informal reviews prior to submission 30 min informal review give your self 30m to read a colleague s part II and then talk to them about your immediate impressions use a highlighter to trace your scan path, it can be illuminating! get them to do the same for you. Formal review Give them the full application (including the JeS form) + reviewer s proforma. NB Do not nominate any of your informal reviewers on the JeS form 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 11

12. Other Timing Do not delay submission Consider collaborating with a senior academic in your field Proofread lots List all the sections of the proposal that you have to provide including the JeS form bits (they are very important for the speakers). Reviewres focus on the cfs) 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 12

13. Above all Keep going Keep generating ideas Keep submitting Don t stop talking to people 07/10/2024 Chantler - thereis no magic bullet 13