Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme
As we work to address pressing health issues in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa, securing adequate funding for research is essential. To support our efforts in this critical area, I am excited to share a valuable opportunity to enhance your grant writing skills, which are crucial for obtaining the necessary resources for impactful research.
Introducing the Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is offering its Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme specifically for emerging biomedical and health researchers in African countries, including Somalia. This fully online program is designed to provide researchers like you with the essential skills needed to develop high-quality and competitive grant proposals.
Program Structure and Schedule
The Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme consists of eight intensive sessions, each lasting three hours. The sessions are scheduled as follows:
- October 21-25, 2024: Daily online sessions from 08:30 to 11:30 GMT.
- December 9-11, 2024: Final three daily online sessions from 08:30 to 11:30 GMT.
Between these two phases, there will be a six-week break during which participants are expected to draft a mini proposal and review their peers’ proposals. This break is a critical time for applying the skills learned and refining your proposal based on peer feedback.
Program Objectives
The primary aim of this program is to help early-career researchers from Somalia and other African nations build the skills needed to develop competitive research and fellowship proposals. The program covers the following key areas:
- Defining Your Research Niche: Learn how to clearly define and articulate your unique research focus, making your proposal stand out.
- Formulating Research Questions: Develop impactful research questions that address significant health challenges and align with funders’ interests.
- Understanding Funders’ Requirements: Gain insights into the criteria and expectations of different funding bodies.
- Writing in Plain English: Improve your ability to write clearly and persuasively, ensuring your proposal is accessible and compelling.
- Crafting Proposal Sections: Master the various sections of a proposal, including the Case for Support/Project Description.
- Project Planning and Budgeting: Learn to create a detailed project plan and budget that supports your research goals.
- Managing Collaborations and Teams: Understand how to effectively manage research collaborations and teams.
- Practicing Peer Review: Engage in peer review activities to critically assess and enhance proposal quality.
- Preparing for Fellowship Interviews: Develop the skills needed to excel in fellowship interviews and secure funding.
What the Program Will Not Cover
While the program offers extensive training in grant writing, it will not address certain areas such as:
- Obtaining research ethics approval.
- Completing individual funders’ application forms.
- Managing intellectual property.
- Research communication practices.
Facilitators will use real-world examples of funding applications but will not provide direct assistance with participants’ specific proposals.
Participant Expectations and Requirements
To fully benefit from the program, participants are expected to:
- Commit to Attendance: Attend all sessions fully. Absence from any session will affect eligibility for a certificate of completion.
- Engage Actively: Participate actively in all sessions and complete preparatory work and assignments.
- Develop Your Proposal: Dedicate significant time during the six-week break to draft your research proposal, which will be used in the final sessions.
- Ensure Technical Readiness: Have reliable internet access and a computer or laptop capable of using Zoom effectively. It is also beneficial to use a smartphone alongside the Zoom platform.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
- Be a citizen of African country.
- Be in the early stages of your research career with a completed research education.
- Hold a PhD/DPhil/MD or a medical/clinical qualification plus a research-relevant Master’s degree, awarded within the past six years.
- Be employed by a recognized university or research institution in Somalia.
- Have not previously participated in similar grant-writing training or secured significant international research grants.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Research Experience: Your achievements and experience as an emerging researcher.
- Utilization of Training: How you plan to use the training to advance your career and address health challenges in Somalia.
- Knowledge Dissemination: How you will share the skills and knowledge gained from the program with others.
- Language Proficiency: Adequate command of English, as all sessions will be conducted in this language.
Application Process
To apply, please visit the AREF portal at AREF Application Portal and complete the application form. Detailed guidance and FAQs are available to assist with the application process.
Key Dates
- Application Launch: August 2, 2024
- Application Deadline: August 30, 2024, 13:00 GMT
- Outcome Notification: September 30, 2024
Contact Information
For any inquiries, use the “Contact Us” section on the AREF portal. For portal registration issues, email programmes@africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk with “Portal Registration” in the subject line.
This program represents a significant opportunity for Somali researchers to enhance their grant writing skills and secure the funding necessary to advance health research. I strongly encourage you to apply and take full advantage of this opportunity to make a substantial impact in our field.
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