While The Getting's Not So Good

With tighter budgets, getting funds to carry out your research program is ever more difficult, but Ellen Moran at Bitesize Bio shares a few tidbits on how to increase your chances of grant success. First, she says, research the funding opportunities early in the year and jot down any relevant dates on your calendar so you can plan ahead. Then while writing your grant, she recommends making sure your application fits with and is tailored to the grant program's aims. Of course, she adds, "you need to appear to have a realistic view of what can be accomplished within a designated time frame and budget." Finally, she says to start working on applications early — that way you can ask colleagues to look it over before sending it in and easily gather any signatures you need. And, "if you don’t succeed [at] first try, try again!" she adds.