Writing a successful grant application

In summary, the research application must focus on a solid objective and be supported by a clear and concise plan for its accomplishment. For the new faculty member applying the first time for outside research funding, it is important to seek help from experienced and more senior colleagues, especially those who are actively serving on NIH Study Sections. It is a good idea to remember that the individuals reviewing applications are some of our busiest scientists. The job of grant review is clearly an added assignment that they willingly donate their time to and one needs to consider this when writing a grant application. Anything that can be done to make the reviewer's job easier can only help the application. Brevity, clarity, and organization are essential to a good application. As has been repeatedly mentioned, one of the major application weaknesses sited is a lack of focus, especially in the presentation of the Research Plans. For the new applicant, it is very helpful to plan enough time for completion of the application so that it could be reviewed by others thoroughly knowledgeable in this particular area. Once the application is submitted, the applicant should take advantage of opportunities to interact with the Executive Secretary of the Study Section to which the grant is assigned. Every institution's research office maintains a book identifying all of the Study Sections, the current members of the Study Section, and the Chairman. The assignment of the grant application to a particular study is an administrative one occurring at NIH upon receipt of the grant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)