Grants Office training module in the Postdoctoral Academic Mentoring program developed by CARE

By Ksenia Bagrintseva, Senior Grant Writer & ERC Expert - GO 

To support the professional development of postdoctoral researchers at the Institut Pasteur, the Grants Office, in collaboration with the CARE Department, will organize a Grant Writing training module in the postdoctoral academic Mentoring program developed by CARE. The workshop, scheduled to take place over two morning sessions in September and October, is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to prepare competitive research grant proposals. 

Securing research funding is a key step in developing an independent research career. However, writing a successful grant proposal requires more than presenting an excellent research idea. Applicants must understand the objectives of funding calls, align their proposals with the funder's priorities, and clearly communicate the scientific excellence, feasibility, and expected impact of their projects. 

Throughout the workshop, participants will learn how to:

• identify the requirements of different funding opportunities,

• interpret the expectations outlined in grant calls,

• and structure each section of a proposal effectively.

The training will also cover best practices for developing a compelling research narrative, developing realistic work plans and budgets, and addressing the evaluation criteria commonly used by funding agencies. 

The workshop will combine theoretical presentations with practical guidance and interactive discussions, enabling participants to strengthen their grant writing skills and increase their confidence in responding to funding opportunities. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply the concepts discussed through practical examples and case studies. 

By the end of the workshop, participants are expected to have a clearer understanding of the grant application process and the key elements that contribute to a competitive proposal. Equipped with these skills, postdoctoral researchers will be better prepared to develop high-quality grant applications and successfully pursue external research funding.