Individual writing support for ERC Proof of Concept grant applications

'We offer a personal, individually tailored and educationally focussed journey of excellence.'

Competitive ERC grant proposals need to be written at an exceptionally high level and communicate your scientific ideas and intentions in a manner that is clear, logical, to-the-point, convincing and easy to read. The proposal must also address all key evaluation/selection criteria.

Our research grant support services have been specifically designed for top/leading researchers who are at the level of submitting a competitive proposal.

We offer services through all stages of the ERC Proof of Concept proposal development and writing process (each is a stand alone service to cater to the needs of each applicant).

FOR NEW PROPOSALS THESE SERVICE OPTIONS INCLUDE:

• Preparation, Underpinning and Concept Development Coaching (See below)

• Proposal Writing (Support, Mentoring and Coaching in Writing B2 and B1) (See below)

• Critical Review of Already Written Drafts (B2 and B1) (See below)

RESUBMISSIONS (PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR OUR RESUBMISSION SUPPORT INFORMATION

PREPARATION, UNDERPINNING AND CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
This support aims at working with applicants who are wanting to submit a proof of concept proposal in 12-18 months time and includes:

• Proposal idea/underpinning development coaching and feedback prior to the commencement of proposal writing.

PROPOSAL WRITING (SUPPORT, MENTORING AND COACHING IN WRITING THE PROPOSAL DRAFT):
Here, we work with applicants who already have a developed proposal concept.This phase starts 5-12 months prior to a call deadline, and includes:

• Concept expansion prior to the commencement of the writing.

• Critical support, feedback and in-depth review of drafts.

• Substantive editing of the proposal (for clarity, consistency, flow, tone of voice).

This is our most popular form of support
Here, we mostly start working with applicants from the beginning of the writing process (5-12 months before a call deadline), providing advice and support so as to facilitate a strong foundation for the candidate to then start writing and provide in-depth support throughout the writing process. At the commencement of all projects we also work with candidates to create a timeline for sending drafts for review (both to us and to the candidate’s scientific colleagues), thus ensuring that the candidate has sufficient time to optimise the final quality and content of the completed proposal. Our draft review process is characterised by first breaking up the proposal into manageable sections, prior to the creation of a first full draft.

REVIEW OF FULLY WRITTEN DRAFTS
Here, we work with applicants closer to the deadline and review a fully written draft of the proposal (over 1 or two rounds of review).

• As most applicants approach us for this support close to a call deadline, we are more limited in the number of applicants we can support with this option.  In this case, the earlier an applicant has a full draft ready, the more likely we have availability to take on supporting an applicant.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF OUR SUPPORT

• Our feedback on drafts is highly personalised, in-depth, direct and to the point, and should we identify weaknesses in a proposal, we will always work at providing the applicant with suggestions and/or options as to how the weakness can be remedied.

• Our support is also highly educationally focussed, helping (1) applicants develop their grant writing skills in such a way that they can better write and present proposals into the future, and (2) helping applicants be better mentors to junior members within their own group.

• When any of our clients interact with us, they will find us to be down to earth and approachable professionals, who have a real passion for what we do, and we understand and appreciate how busy the life of an academic can be.

• All of our work is based on a strong process-driven foundation.

• We believe in honesty and transparency, and in building strong and healthy relationships with our clients.

METHOD OF DELIVERY
Our method of delivery is via (1) personal ‘one-on-one’ online coaching and feedback sessions; and (2) online via email. The breakdown of this is individually tailored to each individual (some applicants may find online meetings more helpful, whilst others may have more of a preference for working more though email.

WHO WILL APPLICANTS BE WORKING WITH
You will work directly with with either Fire Sanders or Willem Bouma, both qualified and experienced senior trainers. Both Willem and Fire have experience working with all panels and areas of research, and have worked with numerous applicants and institutions throughout around Europe and beyond. 

We have over 15 years (specifically) working on European, Dutch and international research grant proposals - and over 25 years experience with scientific promotion cases, research grant proposals, interview training, review and editing of high impact research journal articles and writing nominations for prestigious prizes and awards. We specialise in what we do and offer – and ERC grant writing is no exception.