Why Apply for a Grant?
Grants can help fund compelling research in dermatology and expand your visibility.
Being a primary researcher is important for your career, whether you are a resident, fellow, or young dermatologist, especially if you want to be seen as a thought leader in the specialty. It also gives you the opportunity to network with fellow researchers and those on the selection committee.
So how do you go about doing it? Getting an organization to fund your research may not come easily, especially if you’ve never applied for grants before. Here are tips and tricks from the pros – dermatologists who have been in your shoes[MOU1] – for landing that very first research grant.
Do your research
- Know which grants for which you are eligible. Look at societies related to your research topic. Academic institutions also may have lists of grants. In addition, keep an eye out for press releases or media coverage of dermatology companies that offer grants.
- Once you identify grant programs that may be a good fit, talk to previous grant recipients. Find out what worked for them and the pros/cons of the grant.
Go for the low hanging fruit
- Grants beget grants. Small grants, including career development awards, can help you get data and credibility for larger grants.
Lean on your mentors
- Identify mentors who will support you and invest in you before you land a grant.
- Mentors can open your network and help you make connections with those who are influential in grant making decisions.
- Aligning yourself with an influential mentor can help you gain credibility.
Look for open doors
- Look for opportunities to network with the selection committee or granting body at professional meetings. Get your name and face out there.
Learn how to write a grant
- The Grant Application Writer’s Handbook can be a helpful reference, especially if you have not undergone grant writing training.
- Academic institutions may offer grant writing workshops.
- You can also ask your mentors for copies of their grants to use as examples.
Tell them why it matters
- If it is successful, what is the impact?
- If the hypothesis is correct, what will you do next? What if it’s not correct? Show them what you will learn either way, and how you will pivot based on what you learn.
Tell them why you are likely to succeed
- Explain what you have done previously that supports your idea, such as literature searches.
- Show what your lab does and make it clear you have the time to be successful.
Write your grant early
- Don’t wait until the last minute! Write your grant with time to spare and have colleagues who get grants – including your mentors — read it and give you advice.
Don’t be defeated; Be persistent
- It’s common not to get a grant on your first try. Don’t hang your head and walk away from research – use this as an opportunity to learn.
- Apply many times. Cast a wide net and don’t take it personal. Other applications may have seemed more promising. Doesn’t mean your idea wasn’t a good one or that they don’t like you. Be passionate about your work and keep trying.
- Work to make your idea better. Call a mentor for advice.
Consider gathering support for your second try
- Including preliminary data can help as it makes the research project seem more viable.
- Clinical observations can help too.
Diversify your efforts
- Don’t completely rely on one type of grant. Seek a variety of sources.
- Create relationships with industry and share what you do. This may snowball.
Keep a positive mindset
- Believe that it wasn’t a waste. A piece of your grant application may work for something else.
Promote your published research from the grant
- Create a poster and a publication from your grant. Submit it for a talk at a medical congress. Talk to your grant funding provider about whether they would be interested in sponsoring a webinar or podcast (or both) about the research yielded from your grant. This will not only help in your visibility, it will show other grant funding companies that you know how to turn your research into omni-channel communication.
