Grant Writing Retreat
The Grant Writing Retreat is a focused, week-long programme designed to support early- and mid-career researchers with prior exposure to grant writing in developing competitive, funder-aligned research proposals. The retreat offers dedicated time, expert input, peer collaboration, and practical tools to move draft ideas closer to submission-ready applications.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary aim of the retreat is to bridge the gap between foundational knowledge of grant writing and the development of high-quality, fundable proposals.
Specifically, the retreat supports participants to:
- Refine and sharpen their research questions, aims, and objectives
- Understand the structure, narrative flow, and cohesion of strong proposals
- Engage with funder expectations and learn how to position their work accordingly
- Strengthen practical skills in budgeting, grantsmanship, and articulating research impact
- Receive expert and peer feedback on their proposals in development
- Improve awareness of the research environment and their role in contributing to the research culture
The retreat is part of the DRSH initiative to build long-term capacity in scientific leadership and research competitiveness.
Programme Design
The retreat is structured over five days, combining plenary talks, interactive workshops, practical group tasks, and protected writing time. Early sessions provide strategic insights into funder priorities and explore how to align project ideas with funding opportunities.
Workshops on research questions, aims and objectives, and budgeting are delivered alongside sessions focused on proposal narrative, coherence, and impact. Participants engage in peer review, receive feedback from experienced grantees, and participate in mentoring discussions. The session “Inside the Mind of a Reviewer” provides an essential perspective on how applications are assessed and how to write with reviewer expectations in mind.
The retreat culminates in a day of presentations, where participants share their proposals in progress and receive feedback from peers and facilitators.
Target Audience
- Have some experience in writing or contributing to grant proposals
- Are actively preparing to submit a fellowship, project, or collaborative research grant
- Seek structured time, support, and mentorship to strengthen their proposals
- 2 to 10 years post PhD (in research years)
Expected Outcomes
- Understand key funder expectations and how to align their proposal accordingly
- Strengthen the coherence and logic of their proposal narratives
- Have completed or significantly advanced key sections of their draft proposal
- Develop a clear plan for next steps, including timelines for submission and internal review
- Build connections with mentors and peers to support continued development beyond the retreat
