9 March 2023

Overview

We will give an overview of some basics of scientific proposal writing, including structure, things to consider, how to partner or leverage, different funding models, and more. Come to class prepared with the broad theme of your dream project proposal idea, and in particular flesh out one of the three objectives. During class, Fellows will present their ideas to the group in breakout sessions to discuss what you are thinking, get some feedback, and think more broadly about your ideas.

Goals

• Explore how to leverage different programs and funding models for getting to sea and doing your work

• Overview of proposal structure and important components to consider in writing

• Develop and discuss your proposal ideas 

• Help your classmates with their ideas by asking questions, which makes the proponent defend/question/integrate the primary questions and makes the proposal stronger

Pre-Class Activities

• Come to class prepared with the broad theme of your dream project proposal idea, and in particular flesh out one of the three objectives.

Class Plan

• Hour 1: Panel on Proposals & Funding

  • 5 min: Welcome

  • 20 min: Geoff Wheat: Basic proposal components, do’s and don’ts

  • 20 min: Julie Huber: Funding sources, models, & leveraging

  • 10 min: Q&A/discussion

  • 5 min: Break

• Hour 2: Breakouts to discuss Project Ideas

  • 40 min: 4x3-person breakout groups. Each person presents their project idea to breakout group, 10 min each to discuss with group

    • Breakout A: Albano, Anthony, Antonio

    • Breakout B: Barnhill, Frates, Gajigan

    • Breakout C: Jammalamadaka, Ladd, Lejzerowicz

    • Breakout D: Niyazi, Ramírez Ortiz, Weston

  • 10 min: Reconvene, each breakout to report-out

  • 5 min: Wrap up

Additional Resources

• University of California: Berkeley Research Development Office: Proposal Writing Guides & Tools

• Learn about COBRA partner Schmidt Ocean Institute’s unique funding model, open to everyone (the first half of this COBRA Webinar, 25 minutes)

• Optional Activities:

  • Find a granting agency in your country (e.g., government, philanthropic) and identify one request for proposals (RFP) that could be relevant to your work. Read through the requirements (all of them!).

    • Examples: NOAA’s currently open RFPs

  • For a granting agency in your country, find a project they have funded and try to identify some of the components that we requested in your Dream Project. Get inspired!

    • Examples: NSF-funded ocean projects

  • Browse funded UNOLS shiptime requests

Slides

Geoff Wheat: Basic Proposal Components, Do’s & Don’ts

Julie Huber: Funding Sources, Models, & Leveraging

Post-Class Dream Cruise Project Development

See the Dream Cruise Project Overview Template for additional context.

• Finish fleshing out one objective from your dream project proposal idea