Methods in Grant Preparation

Methods in Grant Preparation goes beyond traditional lectures by giving participants opportunities to apply grant-writing principles to their own research ideas.
Throughout the course, participants will learn to:

• Navigate NIH funding opportunities: Identify appropriate funding mechanisms, including F, K, and R01 awards, and understand the application process.
• Develop a strong research proposal: Identify knowledge gaps, formulate testable hypotheses, and create compelling Specific Aims.
• Strengthen scientific writing: Learn strategies for clearly communicating the Significance, Innovation, and Approach of a research project.
• Prepare essential grant components: Develop NIH biosketches, personal statements, and other application materials.
• Understand the review process: Learn how NIH reviewers evaluate applications, identify common weaknesses, and provide feedback.
• Explore additional funding opportunities: Gain insight into foundation grants, team science, and collaborative research funding.
• Improve grant applications: Learn strategies for responding to reviewer comments and strengthening future submissions.

This 16-week virtual course combines instruction from experienced researchers with interactive discussions, writing assignments, and hands-on workshops.
Rather than simply learning about the grant-writing process, participants will have opportunities to put these concepts into practice throughout the semester.

What to Expect:

• Expert-Led Presentations: Learn from experienced investigators and grant reviewers who share practical strategies and insights.
• Hands-On Workshops: Participate in collaborative activities focused on developing research ideas, refining hypotheses, and strengthening grant components.
• Practical Writing Assignments: Apply course concepts to your own research project while progressively developing components of a grant proposal.
• Peer Review and Feedback: Gain experience evaluating research proposals and incorporating constructive feedback.
• Mock NIH Study Section: Experience the grant review process from a reviewer's perspective and learn what makes a competitive application.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a Specific Aims page for their research project, along with a stronger understanding of the NIH grant development and review process.

Regular attendance, active participation, and completion of assignments are expected. Specific requirements vary based on the enrollment option.

Methods in Grant Preparation offers two enrollment options to accommodate different educational and professional goals.

Noncredit Seminar Series / Certificate of Completion

Participants who are interested in strengthening their grant-writing skills without earning academic credit may register for the noncredit seminar series. This option provides access to course presentations, interactive workshops, and practical grant-writing activities. Participants who successfully meet the established attendance, participation, and assignment requirements will receive a certificate of completion.

Graduate School – 3 Credits

Methods in Grant Preparation is also available as a three-credit graduate course through the Medical College of Wisconsin Graduate School. This option is intended for eligible students who wish to earn academic credit while developing advanced grant-writing skills.

Students pursuing graduate credit must register through the Graduate School and complete the coursework, assignments, and grading requirements outlined in the course syllabus.