checklist in the preparation of research proposal

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Starting the research process
• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 1, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

• Affiliate Program

• UNITED STATES
• 台灣 (TAIWAN)
• TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
• Academic Editing Services
• - Research Paper
• - Journal Manuscript
• - Dissertation
• - College & University Assignments
• Admissions Editing Services
• - Application Essay
• - Personal Statement
• - Recommendation Letter
• - Cover Letter
• - CV/Resume
• Business Editing Services
• - Business Documents
• - Report & Brochure
• - Website & Blog
• Writer Editing Services
• - Script & Screenplay
• Our Editors
• Client Reviews
• Editing & Proofreading Prices
• Wordvice Points
• Partner Discount
• Plagiarism Checker
• APA Citation Generator
• MLA Citation Generator
• Chicago Citation Generator
• Vancouver Citation Generator
• - APA Style
• - MLA Style
• - Chicago Style
• - Vancouver Style
• Writing & Editing Guide
• Academic Resources
• Admissions Resources

How to Write a Research Proposal: Checklist Example

If you are a PhD doctoral or Master’s student approaching graduation, then a large research project, dissertation, or thesis is in your future. These capstone research projects take months if not years of preparation, and the first step in this process is first writing a compelling, organized, and effective research proposal.

Check out the  key differences between dissertation and thesis .

Research Proposal Checklists Are Important

We’ve got some good and bad news for the PhD and Master’s graduate students out there. 

First, the bad news. Research proposals are not easy to write. They require lots of preparation and planning. They can also seem to be an administrative task, with your PhD advisors constantly reminding you to write something that you’re not yet sure about. And of course, it’s also yet another written document that could be rejected. 

Now, the good news. Research proposals help you organize and focus your research. They also eliminate irrelevant topics that your research cannot or should not cover. Further, they help signal your academic superiors (professors, advisors, scientific community) that your research is worth pursuing.

Research proposal checklists  go one step further. A research proposal checklist helps you identify  what  you will research,  why  it is important and relevant, and  how  you will perform the research. 

This last part is critical. Research proposals are often rejected for not being feasible or being unfocused. But an organized research or thesis proposal checklist can help you stay on topic. 

This article goes into the following topics about research proposal checklists:

What is a Research Proposal?

Research proposals are documents that propose a research project in the sciences or academic fields and request funding or sponsorship.

The primary objective is to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project as well as an organized plan to accomplish‌ ‌it. 

A main purpose of a research plan is to clearly state the central research topic or question that you intend to research while providing a solid background of your particular area of research.

Your research proposal must contain a quick  summary of the current literature , including gaps in your research area’s knowledge base as well as areas of controversy, which together demonstrate your proposal is relevant, timely, and worth pursuing.

But what functions does a research proposal perform?:

Research proposals explain your research topic

An  effective  research proposal should answer the following questions:

• What is my research about? 
• What specific academic area will I be researching?
• What is the current scientific and academic literature?
• What are the accepted theories in my area of research?
• What are gaps in the knowledge base?
• What are key questions researchers are currently trying to answer?

Research proposals explain why your research topic is important

A  compelling  research proposal should answer the following questions:

• Why is my research important?
• Why is my research interesting to both academics and laypeople?
• What are my  research questions ? 
• How does my research contribute to the literature?
• How will my dissertation or thesis answer gaps or unsolved questions?
• How or why would my research earn funding in the future?
• How does my research relate to wider society or public health?

Research proposals explain how you will perform your research

A  feasible  research proposal should answer the following questions:

• How will my research be performed?
• What are my exact methods?
• What materials will I need to purchase? 
• What materials will I need to borrow from other researchers in my field?
• What relationships do I need to make or maintain with other academics?
• What is my research proposal timeline?
• What are the standard research procedures? 
• Are there any  study limitations  to discuss?
• Will I need to modify any research methods? What, if any, problems will this introduce?

Research Proposal Example Checklist

Use this research proposal example checklist as an aid to draft your own research proposal. This can help you decide what information to include and keep your ideas logically structured. 

Remember, if your research proposal cannot effectively answer every single question below, then you may want to consult your advisor. It doesn’t mean your chosen research topic is bad; it just means certain areas may need some additional focus.

Click here for the full Research Proposal Example Checklist in .pdf form

Research Proposal Title

The title of your research proposal must attract the reader’s eye, be descriptive of the research question, and be understandable for both casual and academic readers.

The title of your research proposal should do the following:

• Effectively summarize the main research idea
• Be clear to the general public
• Be compelling to academic researchers and other graduate students
• Fully explain the independent and dependent variables
• Avoid abbreviations and excessive  use of articles

Research Proposal Introduction and Research Background

The introduction typically begins with a general overview of your research field, focusing on a specific research problem or question. This is followed by an explanation of why the study should be conducted.

The introduction of your research proposal should answer the following questions:

• What is the research problem, research question, and purpose of the study?
• What is the rationale behind my study? 
• Why is answering this research question important?
• What are the major issues your research will address?
• What are the major challenges in answering the research question?
• Did you highlight or clarify the research discrepancies?

Significance of Research Proposal 

Your proposal’s introduction section should also clearly communicate why your research is significant, relevant, timely, and valid.

To effectively confirm the significance of your proposal, make sure your study accomplishes the following:

• The research results fill a defined gap in the knowledge.
• The proposed study will advance understanding of the subject.
• The research results will lead to the improvement of commonly used experimental models and methods in the future.
• The research results will yield novel findings that have academic and/or practical value.

Research Proposal Literature Review

In the literature review section, you should provide a review of the current state of the literature as well as provide a summary of the results generated by your research. Determine relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research to support your research claim. 

State an overview and significance of your primary resources and provide a critical analysis highlighting what those sources lack and future directions for research.

• List your primary sources.
• List your secondary sources.
• Discuss influential research papers, paradigms, and modalities. 
• What is lacking in well-accepted research paradigms in your research field?
• What are the main theories, methods, and controversies in your research field?
• How does your research question or problem tie into the current literature? Does it extend a current idea or run counter to it?

Research Proposal Theoretical Methodology and Design

Following the literature review, it is a good idea to restate your main objectives, bringing the focus back to your own project. The research design or methodology section should describe the overall approach and practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To help you write a clear and structured methodology, use your plan and answer the following issues. This will give you an outline to follow and keep you on track when writing this section of your research proposal. 

• Explain whether your research method will be a study or an experiment.
• Is your research for a PhD dissertation or Master’s program?
• Explain the theoretical resources motivating your choice of methods.
• Explain how particular methods enable you to answer your research question.
• Credit any colleagues or researchers you will collaborate with.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen methodology.
• What is the timeline of your research experiment or study?
• Compare/contrast your research design with that of the literature and other research on your topic. 
• Are there any different or alternative methods or materials that will be used?

Additionally, explain how your results will be processed:

• How will your research results be processed and interpreted?
• What data types will your results be in?
• Explain the statistical models and processes you must perform (e.g. Student’s t-test).
• Will your study be more statistically rigorous than other studies?

Read about  how to explain research methods clearly for reproducibility .

Research Proposal Discussion and Conclusion

Your  discussion and conclusion section  has an important purpose: to persuade the reader of your proposed research study’s potential impact. This section should also directly address potential weaknesses and criticisms put forth by other researchers and academics.

• Explain the limitations and weaknesses of the proposed research.
• Explain how any potential weaknesses would be justified by extenuating circumstances such as time and financial constraints.
• What, if any, alternative research questions or problems naturally can be answered in the future?
• How does the research strengthen, support, or challenge a current theoretical framework or model?

References and Bibliography

Although it comes at the end, your reference section is vital and will be carefully scrutinized. It should include all sources of information you used to support your research, and it should be in the correct citation format. 

• Provide a complete list of references for all cited statements.
• Make sure citations are in the correct format (e.g. APA, Chicago, MLA, etc.)
• References are present in the introduction, literature review, and methodology sections.

Use the Wordvice APA Citation Generator  to instantly generate citations in APA Style, or choose one of the formats below to generate citations for the citation style of your academic work:

Using Research Proposal Examples

Although every research proposal is unique, it is a good idea to take a look at examples of research proposals before writing your initial proposal draft. This will help you understand the academic level you should aim for. Be sure to include a reference list at the end of your proposal as described above. 

In addition to reading research proposal examples, you should also outline your research proposal to make sure no crucial information or research proposal sections are missing from your final manuscript. Although the sections included in a research proposal may vary depending on whether it is a grant, doctoral dissertation, conference paper, or professional project, there are many sections in common. Knowing the differences before you draft will ensure that your proposal is cohesive and thorough.

Research Proposal Proofreading and Editing

It’s vital to take the time to redraft, edit, and proofread a research proposal before submitting it to your PhD advisor or committee. Researchers and graduate students usually turn to a professional English editing service  like Wordvice to improve their research writing.

Our academic services, including thesis editing , dissertation editing , and research paper editing , will fully prepare any academic document for publication in academic journals.

• Privacy Policy

Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

How To Write A Business Proposal – Step-by-Step...

How To Write A Grant Proposal – Step-by-Step...

Business Proposal – Templates, Examples and Guide

How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide...

How to choose an Appropriate Method for Research?

Grant Proposal – Example, Template and Guide

How to Write a Research Proposal: (with Examples & Templates)

Table of Contents

Before conducting a study, a research proposal should be created that outlines researchers’ plans and methodology and is submitted to the concerned evaluating organization or person. Creating a research proposal is an important step to ensure that researchers are on track and are moving forward as intended. A research proposal can be defined as a detailed plan or blueprint for the proposed research that you intend to undertake. It provides readers with a snapshot of your project by describing what you will investigate, why it is needed, and how you will conduct the research.  

Your research proposal should aim to explain to the readers why your research is relevant and original, that you understand the context and current scenario in the field, have the appropriate resources to conduct the research, and that the research is feasible given the usual constraints.  

This article will describe in detail the purpose and typical structure of a research proposal , along with examples and templates to help you ace this step in your research journey.  

What is a Research Proposal ?  

A research proposal¹ ,²  can be defined as a formal report that describes your proposed research, its objectives, methodology, implications, and other important details. Research proposals are the framework of your research and are used to obtain approvals or grants to conduct the study from various committees or organizations. Consequently, research proposals should convince readers of your study’s credibility, accuracy, achievability, practicality, and reproducibility.   

With research proposals , researchers usually aim to persuade the readers, funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors to approve the proposal. To achieve this, the report should be well structured with the objectives written in clear, understandable language devoid of jargon. A well-organized research proposal conveys to the readers or evaluators that the writer has thought out the research plan meticulously and has the resources to ensure timely completion.  

Purpose of Research Proposals  

A research proposal is a sales pitch and therefore should be detailed enough to convince your readers, who could be supervisors, ethics committees, universities, etc., that what you’re proposing has merit and is feasible . Research proposals can help students discuss their dissertation with their faculty or fulfill course requirements and also help researchers obtain funding. A well-structured proposal instills confidence among readers about your ability to conduct and complete the study as proposed.  

Research proposals can be written for several reasons:³  

• To describe the importance of research in the specific topic  
• Address any potential challenges you may encounter  
• Showcase knowledge in the field and your ability to conduct a study  
• Apply for a role at a research institute  
• Convince a research supervisor or university that your research can satisfy the requirements of a degree program  
• Highlight the importance of your research to organizations that may sponsor your project  
• Identify implications of your project and how it can benefit the audience  

What Goes in a Research Proposal?    

Research proposals should aim to answer the three basic questions—what, why, and how.  

The What question should be answered by describing the specific subject being researched. It should typically include the objectives, the cohort details, and the location or setting.  

The Why question should be answered by describing the existing scenario of the subject, listing unanswered questions, identifying gaps in the existing research, and describing how your study can address these gaps, along with the implications and significance.  

The How question should be answered by describing the proposed research methodology, data analysis tools expected to be used, and other details to describe your proposed methodology.   

Research Proposal Example  

Here is a research proposal sample template (with examples) from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 4 The sections in all research proposals are essentially the same although different terminology and other specific sections may be used depending on the subject.  

Structure of a Research Proposal  

If you want to know how to make a research proposal impactful, include the following components:¹  

1. Introduction  

This section provides a background of the study, including the research topic, what is already known about it and the gaps, and the significance of the proposed research.  

2. Literature review  

This section contains descriptions of all the previous relevant studies pertaining to the research topic. Every study cited should be described in a few sentences, starting with the general studies to the more specific ones. This section builds on the understanding gained by readers in the Introduction section and supports it by citing relevant prior literature, indicating to readers that you have thoroughly researched your subject.  

3. Objectives  

Once the background and gaps in the research topic have been established, authors must now state the aims of the research clearly. Hypotheses should be mentioned here. This section further helps readers understand what your study’s specific goals are.  

4. Research design and methodology  

Here, authors should clearly describe the methods they intend to use to achieve their proposed objectives. Important components of this section include the population and sample size, data collection and analysis methods and duration, statistical analysis software, measures to avoid bias (randomization, blinding), etc.  

5. Ethical considerations  

This refers to the protection of participants’ rights, such as the right to privacy, right to confidentiality, etc. Researchers need to obtain informed consent and institutional review approval by the required authorities and mention this clearly for transparency.  

6. Budget/funding  

Researchers should prepare their budget and include all expected expenditures. An additional allowance for contingencies such as delays should also be factored in.  

7. Appendices  

This section typically includes information that supports the research proposal and may include informed consent forms, questionnaires, participant information, measurement tools, etc.  

8. Citations  

Important Tips for Writing a Research Proposal  

Writing a research proposal begins much before the actual task of writing. Planning the research proposal structure and content is an important stage, which if done efficiently, can help you seamlessly transition into the writing stage. 3,5  

The Planning Stage  

• Manage your time efficiently. Plan to have the draft version ready at least two weeks before your deadline and the final version at least two to three days before the deadline.
• What is the primary objective of your research?  
• Will your research address any existing gap?  
• What is the impact of your proposed research?  
• Do people outside your field find your research applicable in other areas?  
• If your research is unsuccessful, would there still be other useful research outcomes?  

  The Writing Stage  

• Create an outline with main section headings that are typically used.  
• Focus only on writing and getting your points across without worrying about the format of the research proposal , grammar, punctuation, etc. These can be fixed during the subsequent passes. Add details to each section heading you created in the beginning.   
• Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages.  
• Don’t use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.  
• Ensure that the entire content is readable. Avoid using long paragraphs because they affect the continuity in reading. Break them into shorter paragraphs and introduce some white space for readability.  
• Focus on only the major research issues and cite sources accordingly. Don’t include generic information or their sources in the literature review.  
• Proofread your final document to ensure there are no grammatical errors so readers can enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted read.  
• Use academic, scholarly language because it brings formality into a document.  
• Ensure that your title is created using the keywords in the document and is neither too long and specific nor too short and general.  
• Cite all sources appropriately to avoid plagiarism.  
• Make sure that you follow guidelines, if provided. This includes rules as simple as using a specific font or a hyphen or en dash between numerical ranges.  
• Ensure that you’ve answered all questions requested by the evaluating authority.  

Key Takeaways   

Here’s a summary of the main points about research proposals discussed in the previous sections:  

• A research proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed study and is created by researchers to submit to evaluators who could be research institutions, universities, faculty, etc.  
• Research proposals are usually about 2,000-4,000 words long, but this depends on the evaluating authority’s guidelines.  
• A good research proposal ensures that you’ve done your background research and assessed the feasibility of the research.  
• Research proposals have the following main sections—introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and budget.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. How is a research proposal evaluated?  

A1. In general, most evaluators, including universities, broadly use the following criteria to evaluate research proposals . 6  

• Significance —Does the research address any important subject or issue, which may or may not be specific to the evaluator or university?  
• Content and design —Is the proposed methodology appropriate to answer the research question? Are the objectives clear and well aligned with the proposed methodology?  
• Sample size and selection —Is the target population or cohort size clearly mentioned? Is the sampling process used to select participants randomized, appropriate, and free of bias?  
• Timing —Are the proposed data collection dates mentioned clearly? Is the project feasible given the specified resources and timeline?  
• Data management and dissemination —Who will have access to the data? What is the plan for data analysis?  

Q2. What is the difference between the Introduction and Literature Review sections in a research proposal ?  

A2. The Introduction or Background section in a research proposal sets the context of the study by describing the current scenario of the subject and identifying the gaps and need for the research. A Literature Review, on the other hand, provides references to all prior relevant literature to help corroborate the gaps identified and the research need.  

Q3. How long should a research proposal be?  

A3. Research proposal lengths vary with the evaluating authority like universities or committees and also the subject. Here’s a table that lists the typical research proposal lengths for a few universities.  

Q4. What are the common mistakes to avoid in a research proposal ?  

A4. Here are a few common mistakes that you must avoid while writing a research proposal . 7  

• No clear objectives: Objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable for the easy understanding among readers.  
• Incomplete or unconvincing background research: Background research usually includes a review of the current scenario of the particular industry and also a review of the previous literature on the subject. This helps readers understand your reasons for undertaking this research because you identified gaps in the existing research.  
• Overlooking project feasibility: The project scope and estimates should be realistic considering the resources and time available.   
• Neglecting the impact and significance of the study: In a research proposal , readers and evaluators look for the implications or significance of your research and how it contributes to the existing research. This information should always be included.  
• Unstructured format of a research proposal : A well-structured document gives confidence to evaluators that you have read the guidelines carefully and are well organized in your approach, consequently affirming that you will be able to undertake the research as mentioned in your proposal.  
• Ineffective writing style: The language used should be formal and grammatically correct. If required, editors could be consulted, including AI-based tools such as Paperpal , to refine the research proposal structure and language.  

Thus, a research proposal is an essential document that can help you promote your research and secure funds and grants for conducting your research. Consequently, it should be well written in clear language and include all essential details to convince the evaluators of your ability to conduct the research as proposed.  

This article has described all the important components of a research proposal and has also provided tips to improve your writing style. We hope all these tips will help you write a well-structured research proposal to ensure receipt of grants or any other purpose.  

References  

• Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60(9):631-634. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/  
• Writing research proposals. Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Harvard University. Accessed July 14, 2024. https://uraf.harvard.edu/apply-opportunities/app-components/essays/research-proposals  
• What is a research proposal? Plus how to write one. Indeed website. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-proposal  
• Research proposal template. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/pediatrics/research/documents/Research-proposal-Template.pdf  
• Tips for successful proposal writing. Johns Hopkins University. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://research.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tips-for-Successful-Proposal-Writing.pdf  
• Formal review of research proposals. Cornell University. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/surveys/survey-assessment-review-group/research-proposals  
• 7 Mistakes you must avoid in your research proposal. Aveksana (via LinkedIn). Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-mistakes-you-must-avoid-your-research-proposal-aveksana-cmtwf/  

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

Related Reads:

• How to Paraphrase Research Papers Effectively
• How to Cite Social Media Sources in Academic Writing? 
• What is the Importance of a Concept Paper and How to Write It 

APA format: Basic Guide for Researchers

The future of academia: how ai tools are changing the way we do research, you may also like, the ai revolution: authors’ role in upholding academic..., the future of academia: how ai tools are..., how to choose a dissertation topic, how to write a phd research proposal, how to write an academic paragraph (step-by-step guide), five things authors need to know when using..., 7 best referencing tools and citation management software..., maintaining academic integrity with paperpal’s generative ai writing..., research funding basics: what should a grant proposal....

• Request new password
• Create a new account

The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project

Student resources, checklist for writing a research proposal.

☑ Access and refer to successful proposals

☑ Find a clear voice for your writing

☑ Write tight and concisely

☑ Yet, write sufficiently

☑ Write for the non-expert

☑ Proofread

☑ Keep quotes to a minimum

☑ Meet all deadlines

☑ Be prepared to draft and redraft

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• v.23(2); 2008 Apr

How to prepare a Research Proposal

Health research, medical education and clinical practice form the three pillars of modern day medical practice. As one authority rightly put it: ‘Health research is not a luxury, but an essential need that no nation can afford to ignore’. Health research can and should be pursued by a broad range of people. Even if they do not conduct research themselves, they need to grasp the principles of the scientific method to understand the value and limitations of science and to be able to assess and evaluate results of research before applying them. This review paper aims to highlight the essential concepts to the students and beginning researchers and sensitize and motivate the readers to access the vast literature available on research methodologies.

Most students and beginning researchers do not fully understand what a research proposal means, nor do they understand its importance. 1 A research proposal is a detailed description of a proposed study designed to investigate a given problem. 2

A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. Broadly the research proposal must address the following questions regardless of your research area and the methodology you choose: What you plan to accomplish, why do you want to do it and how are you going to do it. 1 The aim of this article is to highlight the essential concepts and not to provide extensive details about this topic.

The elements of a research proposal are highlighted below:

1. Title: It should be concise and descriptive. It must be informative and catchy. An effective title not only prick’s the readers interest, but also predisposes him/her favorably towards the proposal. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. 1 The title may need to be revised after completion of writing of the protocol to reflect more closely the sense of the study. 3

2. Abstract: It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words. It should include the main research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any) and the method. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be used. 1 It should stand on its own, and not refer the reader to points in the project description. 3

3. Introduction: The introduction provides the readers with the background information. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it relates to other research. 4 It should answer the question of why the research needs to be done and what will be its relevance. It puts the proposal in context. 3

The introduction typically begins with a statement of the research problem in precise and clear terms. 1

The importance of the statement of the research problem 5 : The statement of the problem is the essential basis for the construction of a research proposal (research objectives, hypotheses, methodology, work plan and budget etc). It is an integral part of selecting a research topic. It will guide and put into sharper focus the research design being considered for solving the problem. It allows the investigator to describe the problem systematically, to reflect on its importance, its priority in the country and region and to point out why the proposed research on the problem should be undertaken. It also facilitates peer review of the research proposal by the funding agencies.

Then it is necessary to provide the context and set the stage for the research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance. 1 This step is necessary for the investigators to familiarize themselves with existing knowledge about the research problem and to find out whether or not others have investigated the same or similar problems. This step is accomplished by a thorough and critical review of the literature and by personal communication with experts. 5 It helps further understanding of the problem proposed for research and may lead to refining the statement of the problem, to identify the study variables and conceptualize their relationships, and in formulation and selection of a research hypothesis. 5 It ensures that you are not "re-inventing the wheel" and demonstrates your understanding of the research problem. It gives due credit to those who have laid the groundwork for your proposed research. 1 In a proposal, the literature review is generally brief and to the point. The literature selected should be pertinent and relevant. 6

Against this background, you then present the rationale of the proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.

4. Objectives: Research objectives are the goals to be achieved by conducting the research. 5 They may be stated as ‘general’ and ‘specific’.

The general objective of the research is what is to be accomplished by the research project, for example, to determine whether or not a new vaccine should be incorporated in a public health program.

The specific objectives relate to the specific research questions the investigator wants to answer through the proposed study and may be presented as primary and secondary objectives, for example, primary: To determine the degree of protection that is attributable to the new vaccine in a study population by comparing the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. 5 Secondary: To study the cost-effectiveness of this programme.

Young investigators are advised to resist the temptation to put too many objectives or over-ambitious objectives that cannot be adequately achieved by the implementation of the protocol. 3

5. Variables: During the planning stage, it is necessary to identify the key variables of the study and their method of measurement and unit of measurement must be clearly indicated. Four types of variables are important in research 5 :

a. Independent variables: variables that are manipulated or treated in a study in order to see what effect differences in them will have on those variables proposed as being dependent on them. The different synonyms for the term ‘independent variable’ which are used in literature are: cause, input, predisposing factor, risk factor, determinant, antecedent, characteristic and attribute.

b. Dependent variables: variables in which changes are results of the level or amount of the independent variable or variables.

Synonyms: effect, outcome, consequence, result, condition, disease.

c. Confounding or intervening variables: variables that should be studied because they may influence or ‘mix’ the effect of the independent variables. For instance, in a study of the effect of measles (independent variable) on child mortality (dependent variable), the nutritional status of the child may play an intervening (confounding) role.

d. Background variables: variables that are so often of relevance in investigations of groups or populations that they should be considered for possible inclusion in the study. For example sex, age, ethnic origin, education, marital status, social status etc.

The objective of research is usually to determine the effect of changes in one or more independent variables on one or more dependent variables. For example, a study may ask "Will alcohol intake (independent variable) have an effect on development of gastric ulcer (dependent variable)?"

Certain variables may not be easy to identify. The characteristics that define these variables must be clearly identified for the purpose of the study.

6. Questions and/ or hypotheses: If you as a researcher know enough to make prediction concerning what you are studying, then the hypothesis may be formulated. A hypothesis can be defined as a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. In other words, the hypothesis translates the problem statement into a precise, unambiguous prediction of expected outcomes. Hypotheses are not meant to be haphazard guesses, but should reflect the depth of knowledge, imagination and experience of the investigator. 5 In the process of formulating the hypotheses, all variables relevant to the study must be identified. For example: "Health education involving active participation by mothers will produce more positive changes in child feeding than health education based on lectures". Here the independent variable is types of health education and the dependent variable is changes in child feeding.

A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables but phrases the relationship as a question; a hypothesis represents a declarative statement of the relations between two or more variables. 7

For exploratory or phenomenological research, you may not have any hypothesis (please do not confuse the hypothesis with the statistical null hypothesis). 1 Questions are relevant to normative or census type research (How many of them are there? Is there a relationship between them?). Deciding whether to use questions or hypotheses depends on factors such as the purpose of the study, the nature of the design and methodology, and the audience of the research (at times even the outlook and preference of the committee members, particularly the Chair). 6

7. Methodology: The method section is very important because it tells your research Committee how you plan to tackle your research problem. The guiding principle for writing the Methods section is that it should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine whether the methodology is sound. Some even argue that a good proposal should contain sufficient details for another qualified researcher to implement the study. 1 Indicate the methodological steps you will take to answer every question or to test every hypothesis illustrated in the Questions/hypotheses section. 6 It is vital that you consult a biostatistician during the planning stage of your study, 8 to resolve the methodological issues before submitting the proposal.

This section should include:

Research design: The selection of the research strategy is the core of research design and is probably the single most important decision the investigator has to make. The choice of the strategy, whether descriptive, analytical, experimental, operational or a combination of these depend on a number of considerations, 5 but this choice must be explained in relation to the study objectives. 3

Research subjects or participants: Depending on the type of your study, the following questions should be answered 3 , 5

• - What are the criteria for inclusion or selection?
• - What are the criteria for exclusion?
• - What is the sampling procedure you will use so as to ensure representativeness and reliability of the sample and to minimize sampling errors? The key reason for being concerned with sampling is the issue of validity-both internal and external of the study results. 9
• - Will there be use of controls in your study? Controls or comparison groups are used in scientific research in order to increase the validity of the conclusions. Control groups are necessary in all analytical epidemiological studies, in experimental studies of drug trials, in research on effects of intervention programmes and disease control measures and in many other investigations. Some descriptive studies (studies of existing data, surveys) may not require control groups.
• - What are the criteria for discontinuation?

Sample size: The proposal should provide information and justification (basis on which the sample size is calculated) about sample size in the methodology section. 3 A larger sample size than needed to test the research hypothesis increases the cost and duration of the study and will be unethical if it exposes human subjects to any potential unnecessary risk without additional benefit. A smaller sample size than needed can also be unethical as it exposes human subjects to risk with no benefit to scientific knowledge. Calculation of sample size has been made easy by computer software programmes, but the principles underlying the estimation should be well understood.

Interventions: If an intervention is introduced, a description must be given of the drugs or devices (proprietary names, manufacturer, chemical composition, dose, frequency of administration) if they are already commercially available. If they are in phases of experimentation or are already commercially available but used for other indications, information must be provided on available pre-clinical investigations in animals and/or results of studies already conducted in humans (in such cases, approval of the drug regulatory agency in the country is needed before the study). 3

Ethical issues 3 : Ethical considerations apply to all types of health research. Before the proposal is submitted to the Ethics Committee for approval, two important documents mentioned below (where appropriate) must be appended to the proposal. In additions, there is another vital issue of Conflict of Interest, wherein the researchers should furnish a statement regarding the same.

The Informed consent form (informed decision-making): A consent form, where appropriate, must be developed and attached to the proposal. It should be written in the prospective subjects’ mother tongue and in simple language which can be easily understood by the subject. The use of medical terminology should be avoided as far as possible. Special care is needed when subjects are illiterate. It should explain why the study is being done and why the subject has been asked to participate. It should describe, in sequence, what will happen in the course of the study, giving enough detail for the subject to gain a clear idea of what to expect. It should clarify whether or not the study procedures offer any benefits to the subject or to others, and explain the nature, likelihood and treatment of anticipated discomfort or adverse effects, including psychological and social risks, if any. Where relevant, a comparison with risks posed by standard drugs or treatment must be included. If the risks are unknown or a comparative risk cannot be given it should be so stated. It should indicate that the subject has the right to withdraw from the study at any time without, in any way, affecting his/her further medical care. It should assure the participant of confidentiality of the findings.

Ethics checklist: The proposal must describe the measures that will be undertaken to ensure that the proposed research is carried out in accordance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki on Ethical Principles for Medical research involving Human Subjects. 10 It must answer the following questions:

• • Is the research design adequate to provide answers to the research question? It is unethical to expose subjects to research that will have no value.
• • Is the method of selection of research subjects justified? The use of vulnerable subjects as research participants needs special justification. Vulnerable subjects include those in prison, minors and persons with mental disability. In international research it is important to mention that the population in which the study is conducted will benefit from any potential outcome of the research and the research is not being conducted solely for the benefit of some other population. Justification is needed for any inducement, financial or otherwise, for the participants to be enrolled in the study.
• • Are the interventions justified, in terms of risk/benefit ratio? Risks are not limited to physical harm. Psychological and social risks must also be considered.
• • For observations made, have measures been taken to ensure confidentiality?

Research setting 5 : The research setting includes all the pertinent facets of the study, such as the population to be studied (sampling frame), the place and time of study.

Study instruments 3 , 5 : Instruments are the tools by which the data are collected. For validated questionnaires/interview schedules, reference to published work should be given and the instrument appended to the proposal. For new a questionnaire which is being designed specifically for your study the details about preparing, precoding and pretesting of questionnaire should be furnished and the document appended to the proposal. Descriptions of other methods of observations like medical examination, laboratory tests and screening procedures is necessary- for established procedures, reference of published work cited but for new or modified procedure, an adequate description is necessary with justification for the same.

Collection of data: A short description of the protocol of data collection. For example, in a study on blood pressure measurement: time of participant arrival, rest for 5p. 10 minutes, which apparatus (standard calibrated) to be used, in which room to take measurement, measurement in sitting or lying down position, how many measurements, measurement in which arm first (whether this is going to be randomized), details of cuff and its placement, who will take the measurement. This minimizes the possibility of confusion, delays and errors.

Data analysis: The description should include the design of the analysis form, plans for processing and coding the data and the choice of the statistical method to be applied to each data. What will be the procedures for accounting for missing, unused or spurious data?

Monitoring, supervision and quality control: Detailed statement about the all logistical issues to satisfy the requirements of Good Clinical Practices (GCP), protocol procedures, responsibilities of each member of the research team, training of study investigators, steps taken to assure quality control (laboratory procedures, equipment calibration etc)

Gantt chart: A Gantt chart is an overview of tasks/proposed activities and a time frame for the same. You put weeks, days or months at one side, and the tasks at the other. You draw fat lines to indicate the period the task will be performed to give a timeline for your research study (take help of tutorial on youtube). 11

Significance of the study: Indicate how your research will refine, revise or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. How will it benefit the concerned stakeholders? What could be the larger implications of your research study?

Dissemination of the study results: How do you propose to share the findings of your study with professional peers, practitioners, participants and the funding agency?

Budget: A proposal budget with item wise/activity wise breakdown and justification for the same. Indicate how will the study be financed.

References: The proposal should end with relevant references on the subject. For web based search include the date of access for the cited website, for example: add the sentence "accessed on June 10, 2008".

Appendixes: Include the appropriate appendixes in the proposal. For example: Interview protocols, sample of informed consent forms, cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders, official letters for permission to conduct research. Regarding original scales or questionnaires, if the instrument is copyrighted then permission in writing to reproduce the instrument from the copyright holder or proof of purchase of the instrument must be submitted.

Skip to Content

Be prepared.

• Proposal Preparation: Forms, Checklists & Templates

Special Note for Mac Users: When filling out a fillable PDF form, you need to sign and then Print to PDF before sending. If Mac users do not Print to PDF, the completed fields are not visible when opened on a Windows system.

Proposal Preparation

GETTING STARTED

The minimum documents required for beginning a proposal include:

• Online PSR User Guide   Updated 1/2024
• Offline PSR Certifications Form
• Cost Estimation Tool Business Processes Updated 06/2019
• Budget Justification Template   Updated 07/2024  (Note: only required by OCG if sponsor requirement) and  Checklist  

Please refer to the Detailed Proposal Process for more information on developing your proposal with your assigned OCG Proposal Analyst . 

• Proposal Submission Request (PSR)    Note : Effective January 15, 2024, all PSR forms are completed online through infoEd. 
• Request for Externally Sponsored Student Design Project
• Cost Share Addendum
• Indirect Cost Addendum   Updated 03/2021
• Indirect Cost Reduction or Waiver Request
• NSF Proposal Documents PI Checklist  
• NSF Proposal Submission Review Checklist  
• NSF CAREER Proposal Submission Review Checklist
• NSF CAREER Proposal Synopsis of Solicitation Requirements
• NIH Required Documents R01/R03/R21 PI Checklist   Updated 01/2024 
• NIH Proposal Submission Review Checklist   Updated 01/2024
• NIH NRSA Fellowship Proposal Review Checklist
• NASA Proposal Documents PI Checklist
• NASA ROSES Proposal Submission Review Checklist
• NASA ROSES PI Proposal Preparation Information for Dual Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR)

BUDGET SPECIFIC TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

• Budget Justification Template   Updated 07/2024 

Cost Estimation Tool - formerly Account Code Budget Template

• Cost Estimation Tool   Updated 07/2024  Note: If old version is downloaded (check cell A212 for version date), please try clearing your cache and re-downloading.

NIH Budget Templates

• NIH Cost Estimation Tool   Updated 08/2024   Note: If old version is downloaded (check cell A215 for version date), please try clearing your cache and re-downloading.
• NIH Modular Budget Template   Updated 10/2023
• NIH Additional Narrative Justification Template   New 09/2023  with new DMS requirements
• NIH Fellowship F Series Budget Template   Updated 06/2024 

NASA Fellowship/Student Research Grant Budgets​

• NASA NSTGRO Budget Template
• NASA FINESST Budget Template
• NASA Fellowship Activity Budget Template

Lab Venture Challenge Budget Template

• LVC Budget Template

OTHER TEMPLATES & SAMPLES

• CU Boulder's Safe & Inclusive Working Environment for Off-Campus or Off-Site Research Plan Template   Updated 05/2023
• Data Management Plan Tool (DMPTool)
• DOD Current and Pending Support Template
• Instructional Guide: NSF Biosketch and Current and Pending Forms, SciENcv
• NSF Collaborator Template and NSF Biosketch and Current and Pending Information
• NIH Multiple PI Leadership Plan Sample
• SciENcv for NIH Biosketches
• NIH Authentication of Key Biological and/or Chemical Resources
• NIH Human Subjects Study Record
• Statement of Work Template
• Facilities Template   New 10/2021

SUBCONTRACTING PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

• Subrecipient Commitment Form   ​A select list of universities do not need to provide the Subrecipient Commitment Form. For more information,  read the news article  and/or go to the FDP Clearinghouse website.
• Subrecipient Statement of Collaborative Intent   ​A select list of universities may provide a Statement of Collaborative Intent (also known as a "Letter of Commitment") in place of the Subrecipient Commitment Form. For more information, read the news article  and/or go to the FDP Clearinghouse website.
• Subrecipient China Assurance Form  (required for NASA proposals with subcontracts)
• Vendor vs. Sub Determination Form   Updated 03/2017
• Sub Agreement/Vendor/Consultant Decision Tree
• Sole Source Justification  (Procurements Only; required for subcontracts on proposals)  Updated 02/2017
• Detailed Proposal Process
• Proposal Essentials by Sponsor
• Fellowships and Student Research Grants
• Proposal Policies & Procedures
• Proposals and Cost Share
• Proposal Development FAQs
• Online PSR Form

Did you receive an award?

Email it right away to [email protected] for processing.

Did you find what you needed? Your feedback helps us keep our website as user focused as possible.

Research Proposal Example Checklist

Introduction:.

A research proposal is a document proposing a research project, usually in the sciences or academic fields, which requests funding/sponsorship for that research project.

"They are used to persuade potential supervisors and funders that your work is worthy of their support " - Prospects 

The main objective should be to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. 

It should always clearly state the central issue or question that you intend to address through your research and outline the general area of research.

It should contain a brief review of available literature, knowledge sources and debates on the topic to demonstrate the originality of the proposed research.

It's important to avoid unsupported subjective arguments and don't assume that the reader will be intimately familiar with the subject.

Use this 'Research Proposal Example' checklist alongside the proposal document you are planning to submit, to make sure it contains all the right information, is structured and coherent, and displays the facts in an interesting and engaging way. 

Process Street  is  super-powered checklists.  It’s the easiest way to manage your  recurring tasks , procedures, and workflows.

Create a  checklist template  and  run individual checklists  for each member of your team. You can check tasks off as you work through them, set deadlines,  add approvals ,  assign tasks , and  track each team member's progress .

You can also  connect to thousands of Apps  through  Zapier  and automate your workflows even more.

Complete checklist details

Enter the checklist details in the form fields below. 

Enter sponsor details

Enter details of the research proposal in the fields below. 

Pre-Proposal Writing Tasks:

Gather information.

Although it is crucial to follow and strictly adhere to the RFP guidelines before you start your proposal, make sure you think about, gather information and address the following questions before starting the proposal:

Plan your proposal

Using the information gathered in task 5 and the RFP/proposal guidelines, list what you plan to include in the following sections:

Choose a title

Your proposal title needs to be catchy, descriptive, informative and pre-dispose the reader favorably towards the proposal.

Brainstorm potential title ideas and record them below.

Run each title option through the below criteria and choose the final title by selecting the title which best meets the criteria. 

Record your final title in the field below. 

• 1 Is it concise?
• 2 Is it descriptive?
• 3 Is it informative?
• 4 Is it catchy?
• 5 Does it predispose the reader, favorably, towards the proposal?

Add this to the cover page in your proposal document. 

Proposal Writing Tasks:

Write your introduction.

The introduction typically begins with a general statement of the problem area, with a focus on a specific research problem, to be followed by the rationale or justification for the proposed study

Provide brief answers to the following questions, and use what you planned to include in your introduction, to help you write a concise, interesting and informative first draft introduction in the last field.

This is what you planned to include in your introduction: {{form.Introduction}}

Check your introduction

Your introduction is a key part of your proposal as it introduces the reader to your proposal.

Make sure your introduction meets the following criteria.

Your first draft introduction:

{{form.Introduction_First_Draft}}

Edit your first draft until you are happy it meets the below criteria and then add it to the bottom field, ready to copy and paste into your proposal document. 

• 1 Have you provided the necessary background or context for your research problem?
• 2 Have you framed the research question in the context of either a current "hot" topic or an older topic that still remains viable?
• 3 Is there an historical backdrop?

When you are satisfied, add this to 'Introduction' section in your proposal document.  

Confirm your aims & objectives

Think about what you hope to achieve with the research project and determine the specific steps that need to be taken to achieve the desired outcomes.

Record the project aims and objectives in the fields below. 

Add this to the 'Aims& objectives' section in your proposal document. 

Confirm your rough timeline

You should include an outline of the various stages and corresponding timelines for developing and implementing the research. 

Record the proposed timings and the justifications for these timings in the fields below. 

Add this to the 'Aims & objectives' section in your proposal document. 

Write your literature review

This section requires you to provide an overview of the current knowledge that exists in your research topic area. You must identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research to state the case for your research. 

Using mainly primary sources, state the significance of these resources and perform critical analysis of these resources in your proposal document.

This is what you planned to include in your literature review: {{form.Literature_Review}}

Record your primary, secondary, and influential paper sources below, so you can add these to your references section. 

Check your literature review

Once you have written your literature review, check it meets the following criteria: 

• 1 Is your review stimulating and engaging?
• 2 Have you used subheadings to bring order and structure to your review?
• 3 Do you cite influential papers?
• 4 Have you critically evaluated cited papers?
• 5 Have you included any recent developments?
• 6 Have you removed any irrelevant or trivial references?
• 7 Is the majority of your research from primary sources?

Write your methodology

This section will demonstrate how you plan to tackle your research problem.

To help you write a clear and structured methodology use your plan and answer the below questions to give you an outline to follow and keep you on track when writing this section of your proposal document.  

This is what you planned to include in the methodology: {{form.Methodology}}

Write your expected results

Obviously you do not yet have the results at this stage. However, you need to have an idea about the results you plan to get.

Use your plan and answer the following questions before you write your expected results section

This is what you planned to include in the expected results section: {{form.Expected_Results}}

Write your discussion/conclusion

Use this section to convince your reader of the potential impact of your proposed research.

Use your plan and answer these questions before you write your discussion section, so you can convince the reader of the impact of your research.

This is what you planned to include in the discussion/conclusion section: {{form.Discussion}}

Write the abstract

While the summary or abstract should be the first element of your finished proposal, it’s often best to write it last - as its simply an abbreviated version of your project

Write your abstract and then check it includes the following: 

• 1 The research question
• 2 The rationale for the study
• 3 The hypothesis (if any)
• 4 The method
• 5 The key findings

List your sources/reference

Make sure you have a reference section, in your proposal document, that includes the various sources of information you have used to put this research proposal together. 

These are the sources you recorded earlier: 

{{form.Primary_Sources}}

{{form.Secondary_Sources}}

{{form.Influential_Papers}}

Pre-Submission Tasks:

Check the proposal meets requirements.

Check that the proposal you have written meets the guidelines/requirements that have been given to you for this research proposal. 

{{form.List_Key_Requirements}}

In addition to this, review your proposal and make sure it answers the below questions: 

• 1 Have you provided context to frame the research question?
• 2 Have you limited the boundary conditions for your research?
• 3 Have you cited landmark studies?
• 4 Have you accurately presented the theoretical and empirical contributions by other researchers?
• 5 Have you stayed focused on the research question?
• 6 Have you developed a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research?
• 7 Is there a clear sense of direction to your proposal?
• 8 Have you cited all references?
• 9 Have you used simple, non-technical language?

Get a fresh pair of eyes to proofread it

Upload the first draft of your finished proposal document and send it to a "cold reader" to review. Give them a copy of the proposal guidelines/requirements, but little other information.

Ask them to read the proposal quickly as this is how the sponsor is likely to view your proposal and ask them to answer the following two questions: 

• Do they understand it?
• Does it make sense?

Implement feedback

Update your current proposal document and record the feedback you have received for future proposals. 

Read through one more time

Upload your final proposal, read it through one final time, and answer the following questions to make sure you have everything covered before submission. 

• 1 Have you presented a compelling case?
• 2 Does your project seem feasible? Is it overly ambitious? Does it have other weaknesses?
• 3 Have you stated the means that grantors can use to evaluate the success of your project after you’ve executed it?

Submit the proposal

Submit your proposal in-line with any requirements. 

{{form.Final_Proposal}}

• The University of Westminster - How to write your research proposal
• Meaning - How to Write a Research Proposal
• The Writing Center  -  Planning and Writing a Grant Proposal: The Basics  
• eCivis  -  4 Types of Grant Funding 
• Learn Sphere  -  Proposal Writing: The Six-Step Process
• National Council of University Research Administrators  -  Proposal writing: Stages and Strategies with Examples 

Related Checklists:

Related checklists .

• Project proposal template
• Construction Proposal Template
• Construction Progress Report
• Continuation Project Proposal Template
• Renewal Project Proposal Template
• Supplemental Project Proposal Template
• Writing a Proposal: Step-by-Step Guide
• How To Write a Research Proposal
• Social Media Engagement Campaign Proposal
• Budget Preparation Checklist
• Budget Template
• Budget Process
• Startup Due Diligence For A Venture Capitalist  
• Environmental Accounting Internal Audit
• Cash management process
• Financial Plan Template
• Cash Flow Report
• Expense Management Process

Take control of your workflows today.

More templates like this.

• Search UNH.edu
• Search Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

Commonly Searched Items:

• Academic Calendar
• Mission, Vision, Strategic Priorities
• Postdoctoral Researchers
• Recognition
• Reporting Concerns/Suspected Violations
• Research and Outreach Communications
• Mission & Organization
• Announcements
• Cayuse Research Suite
• Compliance/EHS
• Research Development Resources
• Support Team for the Administration of Research (STAR)
• UNH Research Faculty
• About Outreach and Engagement
• UNHInnovation
• Connections for Business
• Intellectual Property
• Assistance, Services & Other Resources
• Collaborations and Agreements
• Core Facility & Campus Resources
• InterOperability Laboratory (IOL)
• Knowledge Base
• Research Area Experts
• Research Centers & Institutes
• Quick Links for Frequently Used Resources for Researchers
• Research Computing Center
• University Instrumentation Center
• Proposal Preparation Checklist

The Proposal Checklists are offered as a guide for submissions. Because sponsor regulations often change and vary by Sponsor, always check the specific Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) and the agency guidelines for any unique rules or changes in format.  Please contact your Grant and Contract Administration (GC A) as early in the preparation process as possible to assist with Sponsor specific submission requirements.  

• General Submission Checklist
• NASA Submission Checklist
• NIH Submission Checklist
• NOAA Submission Checklist
• NSF Submission Checklist

Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

• RCA 2023 Schedule
• Institutional Official Responsibilities
• Research Administration Advisory Council
• Research Integrity Services
• Sponsored Program Administration
• Research and Large Center Development
• Award Management
• Financial Management
• Effort Certification Policy
• Award Closeout
• Uniform Guidance Procurement
• Essentials for Project Directors/PIs
• Federal Agency Guidance on Notification and Reporting of Discrimination and Harassment
• UNH Research Support Matrix for Compliance & Safety
• IACUC Application Resources
• IACUC Application Review Process
• IACUC Meeting Schedule
• IACUC Membership
• Animal Care & Use FAQs
• Animal Resources Office
• Approval of Facilities Housing Vertebrate Animals
• Occupational Health Program for Animal Handlers
• Reporting Animal Care and/or Use Concerns
• Training for Animal Care and Use Personnel
• Animal Care & Use: In the News & Resources
• Cayuse Outside Interests
• Conflict of Interest FAQs
• FCOIR Training & Resources
• Financial Conflicts of Interest in Research
• Financial Conflicts of Interest in Research for PIs
• Disclosure Review Committee
• Controlled Substances
• Data Management Policy FAQs
• Data Management Training & Resources
• Regulation Overview
• Export Controls in an Academic Environment
• Export Compliance Advisory Committee
• Useful Links and Background Reading
• International Students and Scholars Foreign Hires
• Visiting Scientist Agreements
• International Travel & Activities
• Technology Control Plan (TCP)
• Export Controls Training
• Export Controls FAQs
• Export Controls & Sanctions News
• Foreign Influence
• HIPAA Training
• IRB Application Resources
• IRB Application Review Process
• IRB Review Levels
• IRB Training
• IRB Meeting Schedule
• IRB Membership
• Does Your Activity Need IRB Review at UNH?
• Collaborations with Other Institutions
• Human Subjects FAQs
• Title IX Reporting Exception for Research
• NIH Clinical Trials Information
• NIH Required Human Subjects Training
• HIPAA Privacy Rule & Research
• Human Subjects: In the News & Resources
• Misconduct in Scholarly Activity
• Responsible Conduct of Research & Scholarly Activity Committee
• NIH RCR Training Requirement
• NSF RCR Training FAQs
• USDA NIFA RCR Training Requirement
• RCR Instruction at UNH
• RCR Training at UNH
• RCR Workshops
• Research Ethics Lecture Series
• RCR: In the News & Resources
• About EH&SO
• Air Quality
• Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
• Biological Safety Resources
• Biosafety Cabinets & Clean Benches
• Biosafety Training
• IBC Registration
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Chemical Safety Committee
• Chemical Receipt & Transfer Form
• Removing Containers from Inventory
• Plans & Programs
• Emergency Procedures Resources
• Emergency Action & Fire Prevention
• Emergency Procedures for Spills of Radioactive Materials
• UNH Integrated Contingency Planning
• Radiation Safety Committee (RSC)
• Hazardous Materials Management Plan
• Hazardous Chemical Waste
• Universal Waste
• Radioactive Waste
• Incidents/Accidents with Biohazards
• Biohazardous Waste Disposal Procedures
• Scrap Electronics
• Hazardous Waste Management Programs
• Hazardous Waste Resources
• Shipment of Biohazardous Materials
• Regulatory & Carrier References
• Hazard Communication: Labeling
• Hazard Communication: Pictograms
• Hazard Communication: Safety Datasheets
• Exposure Monitoring
• Hazardous Building Materials
• Hearing Conservation
• Indoor Air Quality
• Thermal Stress (Heat Advisory)
• Occupational Safety Committee (OSC)
• Incident Reporting
• Confined Space Entry
• Contractor Safety
• Ergonomic Desks
• Ergonomic Chairs
• Sit-Stand Workstations
• Back Safety
• Ergonomic Assessment Request
• Keyboard Ergonomics
• Material Handling
• Mouse Ergonomics
• Workstation Monitors
• Fall Protection
• Laboratory Ventilation Management Program
• Lockout/Tagout Control of Hazardous Energy
• Mobile Elevated Work Platform Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Respiratory Protection
• Occupational Safety Resources
• Crane and Hoist Safety
• Water Shutdown Procedures
• Radiation Safety Program Management
• Radiation Forms
• Radioactive Permits
• Radiation Safety Training
• Radiation Dosimetry
• Radiation Surveys
• NH Rules for the Control of Radiation
• Radiation Safety Resources
• Assistant Authorized User
• Radioactive Waste Disposal Requests
• Radionuclide Safety Sheets
• Laser Safety Program Management & Registration
• Magnet Safety
• X-Ray Safety
• Research Fieldwork Safety Program
• UNHCEMS Tutorials
• EHS Training
• GHS Training
• UNH Manchester Safety Committee
• Law School Safety Committee Comment Form
• Types of Proposals
• Proposal Components
• Develop a Budget Justification
• Develop a Budget
• Get Approvals
• Submit a Proposal
• Proposal Submission Guidelines
• Ongoing COVID-19 Data, Resources, and Funding Opportunities
• Funding Types
• Sponsor Types
• Internal (UNH) Funding Opportunities
• LSPs to Act On Now
• Early Career Researchers & Scholars
• Federal Sponsors and Other Search Resources for Graduate Students
• Federal Sponsors and Other Search Resources for Postdoctoral Fellows
• International Research & Scholarship
• NIH AREA (R15) Grants
• EPSCoR and IDeA
• Research Equipment, Instrumentation, and Infrastructure Funding Opportunities
• Publication and Subvention
• Small Business Grants - SBIR & STTR
• Search Strategies
• Search Tools
• Vision 2030: A Roadmap for Science & Engineering
• RLCD Programs - AY 2023-2024
• Workshops By Theme
• Workshop Resources
• Graduate Student Programs
• Research Development & Grant Writing News
• Collaborative Research Excellence (CoRE) Initiative
• Developing Broader Impacts and Outreach Activities
• DEIA and Belonging
• Proposal Development Services
• Proposal Writing & Development
• RD Digital Library
• UNH and DOE National Laboratories

• Sustainability
• Embrace New Hampshire
• University News
• The Future of UNH
• Campus Locations
• Calendars & Events
• Directories
• Facts & Figures
• Academic Advising
• Colleges & Schools
• Degrees & Programs
• Undeclared Students
• Course Search
• Study Abroad
• Career Services
• How to Apply
• Visit Campus
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Net Price Calculator
• Graduate Admissions
• UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
• Housing & Residential Life
• Clubs & Organizations
• New Student Programs
• Student Support
• Fitness & Recreation
• Student Union
• Health & Wellness
• Student Life Leadership
• Sport Clubs
• UNH Wildcats
• Intramural Sports
• Campus Recreation
• Centers & Institutes
• Undergraduate Research
• Research Office
• Graduate Research
• FindScholars@UNH
• Business Partnerships with UNH
• Professional Development & Continuing Education
• Research and Technology at UNH
• Request Information
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Alumni & Friends

Proposal Preparation Checklist

Inform your research administrator and college grants officer.

Alert your Research Administrator and College Grants Officer, or other college pre-award support service contact as soon as you decide to submit a proposal. 

• Send them a link to the sponsor's program guidelines and deadline(s).
• Let the Research Administrator know if the sponsor requires an online submission. Not all online proposal submission systems are immediately accessible; early notification is key so OSPA can ensure we are set up in the sponsor's system.
• Contact your College Grants Officer, or other college pre-award support service for assistance with developing a budget, budget justification, and final proposal review.

verify details

Verify opportunity details.

Ensure that you have all the details for the current funding opportunity.

• Verify the sponsor's form or package is the current version.
• Work backwards from that date: the proposal must be received by OSPA at least three days prior to the sponsor's published deadline to ensure successful proposal review and submission.
• If the project involves more than one (1) department or college, factor in additional time for routing as those certifications must be obtained before the IAF can be routed to OSPA. 
• Some colleges require additional time for review and approval. Check the Deadlines section of Policies and Procedures . 
• If the sponsor limits F&A, include a copy of the sponsor's F&A policy from the proposal guidelines.
• Mandatory cost share or match funds required by the sponsor in the proposal must be indicated on the IAF under the University column.  Voluntary cost share is not allowed without prior OSPA approval.  See BPM E-50-2 https://www.uky.edu/ufs/sites/www.uky.edu.ufs/files/bpm/E-50-2.pdf for more information.
• If the award will be fixed-price, attach a Fixed-Price Budget Form with Column A completed.

equipment screening

Check for equipment you may need.

Contact Assets Accounting or search the eBars database  to check for equipment you may need. If the equipment needed for your project is available and access arrangements can be made, you will need to use the existing equipment for your research activities. If the equipment is not available on campus, or access cannot be arranged, this will need to be indicated on the IAF prior to submission of the proposal requesting funds for the equipment purchase. 

Compile Your Budget

Work with your CGO or preaward support service contact to develop your project's budget.

• Follow our Budget Development Guidance .
• Follow the sponsor's guidelines regarding allowable costs.
• Information on UK's Cost Share/Grant Matching Policy
• Does the project qualify for the off-campus F&A rate?  See https://www.research.uky.edu/office-sponsored-projects-administration/facilities-and-administrative-fa-costs for the Off Campus determination process.
• Verify that your Financial Disclosure statement was updated in March and has been updated (including reimbursed travel for PHS funded projects) during the year if circumstances warrant.

Quick links

• Frequently Needed Information
• Find OSPA Staff
• Forms and Templates
• BudRule CrossWalk
• Export Control
• Industry Sponsored Agreements
• Project Management Guidelines
• Research Analytics
• Other Support Portal

Announcements

The Memorandum of Understanding between a Departing Investigator and UK has been revised and is available as a fillable pdf on the OSPA website at https://www.research.uky.edu/of

NSF requires development and distribution of a Safe and Inclusive Working Environment Plan for proposals that involve off-campus or off-site research activities. See the OSPA website (Proposals tab) for information on NSF’s policy and related UK requirements/processes.

NSF implemented revised versions of the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support formats for consistency with the  Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide  (PAPPG).

OSPA EVENTS

• Sep 10 Collaborative Grant Services Office of Sponsored Projects Administration Grant Administration Forum for Investigators Online via Zoom 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Proposal Preparation Guide (PPG) for Awards in FY25

Resource Type Proposal Guidance Format Adobe PDF Date Published/ Updated by RDS Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:30 Date Published/ Updated by Author Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:30

Subscribe to the University of Arizona Impact in Action newsletter to receive featured stories and event info to connect you with UArizona's research, innovation, entrepreneurial ventures, and societal impacts.

Subscribe now

JWST User Documentation

• JWST Opportunities and Policies
• JWST Call for Proposals for Cycle 4

JWST Guidelines and Checklist for Proposal Preparation

This article covers formatting of proposals, page limits for various types of proposals, and a checklist for proposers to consult when developing their observing proposals.

On this page

General guidelines

The deadline for proposal submission is October 16, 2024 by 8:00pm US Eastern Daylight Time . Please submit well before the deadline whenever possible, to avoid possible last-minute hardware or overloading problems, or network delays/outages. Proposals can be re-submitted multiple times; the latest version submitted before the deadline will be the version that is evaluated. Late proposals will not be considered.

Questions about policies and technical issues should be addressed to the STScI Helpdesk well before the deadline. While we attempt to answer all questions as rapidly as possible, we cannot guarantee a speedy response in the last week before the deadline.

Proposal format

Cycle 4 Proposals must be submitted electronically. The Java-based APT (the Astronomer's Proposal Tool) is the interface for all proposal submissions for JWST.

A proposal consists of two parts:

• a completed APT proposal form ; and

an attached PDF file . Note: Proposals should be anonymized in accordance with the specified guidelines .

Both are submitted to STScI directly from within APT. 

Page limits

There are page limits on the size of your PDF attachment and they have been reduced substantially (in most cases halved) compared to previous cycles.

  Following the recommendations of the JWST Users Committee, page limits have been reduced substantially. The bulk of the PDF file should comprise the Scientific Justification and the Technical Description (for GO programs) or Analysis Plan (for AR programs).

• Four (4) pages are allocated for those section in most cases (Very Small GO, Small GO, Long-term GO, Calibration GO and AR, Survey, Regular AR, Cloud Computing AR, Theory AR and Data Science Software AR);  
• Five (5) pages are allocated for Medium GO and Combined GO+AR programs;  
• Six (6) pages are allocated for Large GO, Treasury GO and Legacy AR  proposals.

One additional page is available in all the above cases for the following sections: Special Requirements, Justify Coordinated Parallel Observations, Justify Duplications and Justify Coordinated Observations with Other Facilities. For Joint proposals, users should  determine whether their proposal is Very Small, Small, Medium or Large based on the JWST hours request,  and use the appropriate page limits. Cycle 4 DD proposals submitted after Cycle 4 starts July 1 2025 are also required to follow these guidelines. Cycle 3 proposals submitted between July 1 2024 and June 30 2025 should follow Cycle 3 guidelines for proposal preparation (including Cycle 3 page limits).

In relation to these page limits, note the following:

• Proposals that exceed the page limits will be subject to disqualification in the review process .
• There are no limits on the numbers of figures and tables in the PDF attachment, and they  may be interspersed in the text. However, the total page limit must be observed.
• References should be listed at the end of the proposal and do not count against the page limits. References have no particular formatting requirements (you can use your favorite style, including numbers).
• Your PDF attachment must be prepared with a font size of 12pt, including figure captions with the templates provided in the  JWST Preparation of the PDF Attachment .  Do not change the format of any of the templates provided by STScI. Proposals that change the font size will be disqualified
• Proposers are recommended to devote at least one page to the Technical Description or Analysis Plan.
• The Observing Description in APT will not be visible for TAC reviewers. Proposers should not use that free text field as a replacement for page limit space. 
• While there are no specific page limits on the scientific justification, the strongest proposals will have a balance between scientific justification and the other required sections (such as the Technical Description or the Analysis Plan) so that reviewers can accurately assess the merits and feasibility of a proposal using the selection criteria.
• Table 1. Page limits

WARNING! PAGE LIMITS PAGE LIMITS HAVE BEEN REDUCED SUBSTANTIALLY (IN MOST CASES HALVED). See JWST Proposal Categories . 

† For Joint JWST programs, users should determine proposal size based on the JWST hours request. Cycle 4 DD proposals submitted after Cycle 4 starts July 1, 2025 are also required to follow these guidelines. Cycle 3 DD proposals submitted between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 should follow Cycle 3 guidelines for proposal preparation (including Cycle 3 page limits). 

* The additional page (+1) is available only for the following sections: Special Requirements, Justify Coordinated Parallel Observations, Justify Duplications and Justify Coordinated Observations with Other Facilities (i.e. descriptions of Joint programs).

Proposal preparation checklist

Table 2. Proposal preparation checklist 

Next:  JWST Filling out the APT Proposal Form

ASU Lodestar Center Blog

Grant-seeking essentials: your checklist before investing in a nonprofit grant writer.

Are you a nonprofit organization hoping to secure funding to advance your mission and projects? I mean, who isn’t? If you answered yes, you've likely contemplated hiring a grant writer to navigate the intricate landscape of grant applications. However, before taking that step, evaluating your organization's readiness for grants is crucial. In this guide, we'll delve into the key considerations you should address before hiring an expert grant writer.

Understanding grant readiness

The term “grant readiness” encompasses the preparedness of a nonprofit to pursue and manage grant funding effectively. While a proficient grant writer is indispensable, it's equally vital to ensure that your organization possesses the requisite infrastructure, capability, and readiness to embark on grant opportunities.

Mission, vision, and value clarity

Ensure your organization has a clearly defined mission statement aligning with the goals and priorities of potential funders. Grantmakers seek to support organizations with a robust sense of purpose and direction.

Organizational capacity

Evaluate your organization's ability to handle grant funding, including administrative capacities, financial management systems, and programming. Grantmakers will ask for evidence of your capability to efficiently execute and financially sustain proposed projects.

Track record

Highlight past successes and achievements, such as previous grant awards, successful projects, and measurable outcomes. Demonstrating a track record of impact and accountability enhances your credibility with potential funders.

Collaborative partnerships

Explore collaborative opportunities with other organizations, community groups, and stakeholders. Collaborative endeavors can boost grant applications and amplify the likelihood of success.

Essential preparations

Make sure that you've completed these items first before engaging a grant writer:

• Regulatory compliance: Ensure full compliance with federal and state/local regulations.
• Financial tracking system: Have a financial tracking system that works; QuickBooks is a common choice (and discounted for nonprofits through TechSoup).
• Organizational documentation: Prepare an organization chart and compile a list of board members with details like their annual giving pledges, affiliations, race/ethnicity, and more.
• Online presence: Establish a website or, at a minimum, a Facebook page. Be sure to have a donation page set up.
• Visual identity: Have a logo ready that represents your organization.
• Budgets: Have a basic organizational and program budget ready; approved by your Board and reviewed at least annually.
• Strategic plan: Have a strategic plan with SMART goals that can be referenced by your grant writer. Often, grant writers can help you with creating a Strategic or Annual plan if needed. 
• Policies: Have established bylaws and policies, including Conflict of Interest, Anti-Discrimination, Gift Acceptance, and Social Media policies.

The role of a grant writer

A skillful grant writer can significantly strengthen your organization's funding endeavors by crafting compelling proposals and navigating the complexities of the application process. When, hiring an individual grant writer or agency, be sure to do your due diligence. Things you should look for in a grant writer when you are grant ready include:

Qualifications and experience

Find a grant writer with relevant experience in your organization's field or sector, along with a proven track record in securing grant funding. Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with grant application procedures are essential.

Alignment with organizational values

Ensure the grant writer understands and aligns with your organization's mission, values, and objectives. Effective collaboration necessitates a shared vision and commitment to your organizational goals.

Clear communication and expectations

Establish transparent communication channels and articulate clear expectations from the outset. Define the scope of work, timelines, and deliverables to foster a productive and proactive working relationship.

Before engaging a nonprofit grant writer, you should first conduct a thorough assessment of your organization's readiness to pursue grant funding. By ensuring clarity of mission, robust organizational capacity, and a proven track record, you enhance your appeal to potential funders and are less likely to spend money on a gamble. Moreover, select a grant writer possessing the requisite skills, experience, and values alignment to facilitate your funding goals. With thorough preparation and the right support, your organization can unlock opportunities for growth and impact through grant funding!

Alex Aryaan is a results-driven nonprofit strategist, boasting $6.73 million in grants secured for early-stage nonprofits in 2023. A member of the Grant Professionals Association (GPA) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Alex is currently pursuing CFRE certification while working as a freelance grant writer and strategist, serving on two nonprofit boards, and also teaching at ASU. With a Master's in Urban Planning & Policy and a BA in Sociology, Alex blends her expertise in strategy, funding, and problem solving, excelling in challenging nonprofit environments.

Become a grant writer with our Grant Development and Proposal Writing Certificates

Grant Development: State and Foundation Proposals: Securing funding for nonprofit organizations can be extremely competitive. Nonprofits need compelling proposals to receive the grants they need to achieve their missions. Whether you are a student or working professional, you will benefit from instruction by an experienced grant writer with real-world experience as they guide you through the step-by-step processes for a state and foundation proposal.

Advanced Grant Development: Federal Proposals:  The seven-week Advanced Grant Development: Federal Proposals Certificate is designed to provide the participant with the resources, expert-guided practice, and mentoring to be able to write a competitive federal grant proposal. In addition to working in small groups with an experienced grant writer, participants will also have the added bonus of receiving a personalized proposal review by the knowledge specialist prior to submission for a federal grant, as well as packaging a professional grant submission, grants management, and grants.gov.

Register now

• The power of workplace culture, and how it impacts nonprofit performance
• How to keep your volunteers satisfied

Alex Aryaan, MUPP, GPA, AFP

Academic Associate, ASU Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions

Select Section

Human Subjects Office

July 2024 irb connection newsletter, irb efficiency initiatives and results to date, irb efficiency initiative: current and upcoming, herky hint: help messages, aahrpp accreditation: preparing for site visit interviews, course-related student projects: is irb approval required, learning opportunity: irb overview lecture in icon, in the news, upcoming educational events, irb efficiency initiative s and results to date, by kelly o’berry and michele countryman.

Beginning in January 2024, the Human Subjects Office (HSO) rolled out six major initiatives to improve Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) review processes. This article provides an evaluation of previous programming changes that were presented at the May IRB Efficiency Initiative Information Session .   

Here’s a brief overview of the initiatives and results to date:  

60-Day Withdrawal Due to PI Inactivity (effective 1/29/24): 1,059 New Project and Modification Forms submitted since implementation. Of these, 106 forms were withdrawn (10%), 17 were recreated, and 9 were resubmitted.  

DSP Approval Timing (effective mid-February 2024): The new process for faster signoffs from the Division of Sponsored Programs allowed the release of HRPP approvals an average of 48 days earlier ( 36 days median).  

Required Actions After the IRB Meeting (effective 4/1/24): the average time to provide the PI with required actions from IRB meeting minutes has gone from 9 days to less than 24 hours since April 1.   

Assign a Meeting Date Goal (effective 4/1/24): Limited data is available, but 71% of studies met the date goal. More in-depth information will be available after the June rollout that separated IRB review from HRPP Committee Approvals.   

60-Day Withdrawal Due to PI Inactivity (effective 1/29/24)  

HawkIRB forms are automatically withdrawn if there is no response to workflow in 60 days . This change will allow for more accurate metrics for IRB review time.   

In addition to the two-week reminders, a new 55-day HawkIRB email notice states that the form will be withdrawn in five days. The form in the PI’s inbox shows the number of days in Workflow over the total days since submission. At 55 days , the form is highlighted in red in the PIs inbox.   

Evaluation data for New Project forms and Modification forms:  

The 106 withdrawn forms represent a considerable timesaving for HSO staff reviewers. Most withdrawn forms have not been recreated and very few recreated forms have been submitted to the IRB.  

NOTE: For a withdrawn form, the PI can only use the “recreate” link once. It is best to hold off on recreating the form until all issues that were holding up the response to the workflow questions in the original form have been resolved.  

DSP Approval Timing (effective mid-February 2024)  

Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) approval is required in HawkIRB for industry-initiated, industry-funded clinical trials where a research contract is required to document institution and sponsor expectations. The research application can be approved by the IRB, but not released to the study team until DSP approval is documented. In February, DSP updated their “contract approval” process for these industry-sponsored clinical trials. DSP approval used to be documented when the contract was fully executed; contract negotiations were complete, all signatures in place (institution, PI, and sponsor), and budget approved. Now DSP issues approval in HawkIRB when contract negotiations are complete, even if signatures and/or budget remain pending. This removed a significant delay in the HRPP approval process. Note: The PI must continue to work with the sponsor to obtain signatures and finalize the budget prior to initiating the research.  

This change affected 38 studies from mid-February to early June. Faster DSP sign off allowed the release of HRPP approvals 48 days earlier than the previous average. For these studies, the median turnaround for IRB approval was 36 days , which is considerably below the goal of a 45-day median from submission to approval for full board review.  

Assign a Meeting Date Goal (effective 4/1/24)  

Application Analysts can now set an IRB meeting date goal, and a due date for meeting this goal, at the beginning of the IRB review process.   

NOTE: There were several limiting factors for evaluation of this change. IRB meeting agendas were full through April 22 when this change took effect on April 1. The first New Project form included in this evaluation was submitted on April 2 and scheduled to a meeting on May 9. This evaluation is based on data from early May through mid-June.  

Also, when this change took effect the hold for three Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) committees prevented scheduling forms to an IRB meeting. The IRB Efficiency Initiative rollout on June 14, 2024, lifted this hold by separating the IRB and HRPP Committee approvals. Future data will provide a more in-depth evaluation.  

Required Actions After the IRB Meeting (effective 4/1/24)  

HSO staff can now provide required actions to the PI shortly after the IRB meeting, which gives the PI/research team a head start to address required actions before receiving the full set of IRB meeting minutes.   

Before April 1, 2024, the average time to provide required actions to the PI in the full meeting minutes was 9 days. The goal is to provide required actions within 24 hours and the full set of meeting minutes within four business days.   

Of 167 sets of meeting minutes completed between April 1 and mid-June, HSO staff effectively decreased the average time to provide required actions to the PI to less than 24 hours. The research community has provided positive feedback about this change.    

Seventeen sets of minutes (10%) did not meet the goal due to the complexity of the issues the board discussed. Approximately half of these minutes were from a monthly IRB-01 Executive Committee meeting. The Executive Committee reviews more complex study design and compliance-related issues.  

IRB Efficiency Initiative Announcements and Updates  

See IRB Efficiency Initiative Announcements and Updates for information about o ther initiatives that are in progress or have been implemented since June 2024, including: launching the new HSO website , adding a chair designee to assist with IRB-02 post-approval forms, onboarding a new IRB-02 chair, Primary Reviewer process enhancements and more.  

By Kelly O’Berry and Michele Countryman  

The IRB Efficiency Initiative rollout in June 2024 separated IRB review and approval from the other Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) committee approvals. This article provides an overview of that change and a summary of other initiatives in progress, updated documents, policies and procedures and information session/demonstration recordings.  

Separate IRB and HRPP Committee Approvals - June 2024 Rollout  

HawkIRB programming changes rolled out June 14, 2024, separated IRB review and approval from other HRPP Committee approvals. Prior to this change, the IRB could not begin the convened board review process until the issuance of approval from three committees/entities: Conflict of Interest in Research (CIRC) , Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee (PRMC, in Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center) , and Research Billing Compliance (RBC) . The HSO can now schedule a New Project or Modification form to a convened IRB meeting before the completion of these HRPP committee reviews/approvals.   

The second programming change allows the IRB to grant full IRB approval before the issuance of all HRPP approvals. Prior to this efficiency initiative, the IRB would hold approval pending approval from these additional HRPP committees: Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) , Medical Radiation and Protection Committee (MRPC) , Institutional Biosafety Committee and Nursing Research Committee (NRC) . Additionally, the IRB can now grant approval before the Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) signs off on the grant or contract.  

The Principal Investigator (PI) can now submit a Modification form in HawkIRB to address requests from HRPP Committees that complete their review after the IRB approves the New Project form. The New Project form is released when the Modification form is approved and released in HawkIRB.  

Several documents, policies and procedures were updated or added in June. See a detailed list at the end of this article .  

What’s Next for the IRB Efficiency Initiative?  

The following initiatives are in progress or have already been implemented since the June IRB Efficiency Initiative Information Session:  

New IRB review and approval structure for IRB-02 (social/behavioral research) – Effective at the start of Fiscal Year 2025, we added an IRB Chair Designee to assist with approval of post approval forms (e.g., Modification, Continuing Review, or Modification/Continuing Review) meeting an expedited or exempt criteria for approval. This enhancement is consistent with a long-standing IRB-01 review structure and is consistent with IRB practices across the nation. The new IRB-02 Chair Designee is an experienced IRB member who is already serving as an IRB-01 Chair Designee.  

New IRB-02 Chair – The new IRB-02 Chair, an experienced IRB member, will begin onboarding and training in August as part of succession planning for IRB-02 Chairs.  

Primary Reviewer process enhancements for full board review – HawkIRB programming is underway to update the Primary Reviewer Checklist used at convened board meetings and enhance the training process for Primary Reviewers.  

HawkIRB Application Redesign – This initiative to streamline the HawkIRB application began with the rollout of Section III updates on January 29, 2024. The goal is to make forms easier for researchers to complete and more efficient for the IRB review. This is a continuation of the 2022-2023 initiative to update the HawkIRB form for projects that qualify for Exempt Status. The next HawkIRB application redesign rollout will focus on updates to the single IRB review process. This is in preparation for the anticipated FDA adoption of the revised Common Rule regulations regarding the use of a single IRB for multi-site projects.  

New HSO website – The new HSO website is now live! HSO staff are still making final tweaks and corrections to URLs. It will take time for search engines to only identify pages of the new website. Use the gold buttons on the home page and the menu options to find what you need. We welcome your feedback. For assistance with finding anything on the new website or to provide feedback, please contact us at [email protected].   

AAHRPP Accreditation Site Visit – 2024-2025 is our HRPP reaccreditation period and will involve a significant amount of HSO time and resources. There are two steps in the reaccreditation process. The UI is currently at Step I; the initial application was submitted in March, and we are currently responding to AAHRPP review of submission materials. Step II is the site visit which will occur this fall. The site visit includes interviews with select PIs and research staff. See February through July IRB Connection Newsletter articles for additional information about accreditation and preparing for the site visit.  

Announcements and Updated Resources  

The following documents were updated or added during the June IRB Efficiency Initiative rollout:   

New Resources:  

Other HRPP Committee Tool – Includes an organizational chart, information about each committee and when their review is required, and regulatory references for these reviews. [Link at end of first paragraph]  

HRPP Committee Review Process Flow Chart – Illustrates the timing of steps in the IRB review process and HRPP committee approvals. [Link in first sentence of the second full paragraph]  

UI IRB Standard Operating Procedures and Researcher Guide    

Updated Policies and Procedures:  

External IRB Standard Operating Procedures    

VA Researcher Guide  

May 2024 IRB Efficiency Initiative Information Session (recording)  

Trainings and Demos:  

HawkIRB demo: Separating IRB and HRPP Committee Approvals (recording)  

WCG Training (recording, June 19, 2024)  

IRB ICON Course for Researchers – Slides, recordings, demo recordings and instruction documents  

Herky Hint: Help Messages  

By rachel kinker, mpa.

Are you working on your HawkIRB application and not sure how to answer a particular question? Within the application, there are little blue circles with “i” (for “information”) associated with most of the questions in the HawkIRB application.   

For example, the Help Message on the index page provides a lot of information:  

Overview of the HawkIRB system  

Template Consent Forms and Other Attachments  

Resources for assistance with preparing HawkIRB applications  

About the Help Messages  

Resources on the Human Subjects Office website  

Principal Investigator (PI) Responsibilities  

HawkIRB Delegates  

Guidance for Community-Based Research  

Throughout the application, other Help Messages provide guidance for what information to include in response to specific questions in the HawkIRB form. When you click on the Help Message, a new window will appear with additional text describing what to include in the response to each question.   

For example, in section VII.E., each Help Message describes what to submit and how to respond to the question.   

The Help Messages may also contain links to other departments that you may need to connect with or specific policies you should know. For example, the cash handling policy appears in the Help Message for question VII.E.9  

Utilizing the Help Messages throughout the application can answer researcher questions along the way and may expedite the application process by reducing workflow. If you have suggestions for how to improve the existing Help Messages, please contact [email protected].  

AAHRPP Accreditation: Preparing for Site Visit Interviews    

By emily shultz, cip  .

The Human Subjects Office (HSO) is preparing for the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP) site visit that will take place in late summer/early fall 2024. The University of Iowa Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) has maintained accreditation since 2003. The practice of becoming accredited and maintaining accreditation is one of receiving input on how well the UI is following policies and procedures, and how well these policies and procedures meet the accreditation standards.  

About six weeks prior to the site visit, AAHRPP staff will send an email that contains:  

the names of the site visit team members,  

a draft agenda for the site visit,   

a list of personnel who will be interviewed.   

During the virtual site visit, the site visitors will meet (via Zoom) with small groups of HSO staff, IRB Chairs, IRB members, UI researchers and UI research team members, as well as members of committees with research oversight responsibilities, such as:  

Medical Radiation Protection Committee  

Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee  

Institutional Biosafety Committee  

Nursing Research Committee  

Division of Sponsored Programs  

Conflicts of Interest in Research Committee  

The interviews are typically done with two site visitors and 2 or 3 interviewees. Most interview time is with the IRB chairs, IRB members, and staff.   

Utilizing the documents submitted with the application for reaccreditation and the information gathered during the site visit, AAHRPP site visitors will look for evidence that, “the entire HRPP meets accreditation standards—and that protecting research participants is a shared organizational priority.” A month or two after the site visit, the HSO will receive feedback on how well the UI HRPP is meeting the requirements and will receive recommendations on areas where improvements can be made.  

Site Visit Interviews  

Andy Bertolatus , emeritus associate professor of internal medicine and one of the UI IRB-01 chairs, has been an AAHRPP site visitor for more than 20 years. The following information is based on insights he provided, in addition to information available from AAHRPP.  

When site visitors meet with members of the research community, they do not expect anyone to be able to recite federal regulations on the required elements of consent or the criteria for approval. When interviewing researchers, the site visitors will likely ask questions about the researcher’s:  

Areas of expertise and type(s) of research conducted   

Approach to conducting the consent processes   

Feelings about working with the IRB  

How they find out about changes in IRB policies/procedures  

Where they go for information or whom they contact for questions  

Resources Available  

For the UI research community, many resources are available online. These include, but are not limited to the following:  

UI IRB Standard Operating Procedures and Researcher Guide  

Human Subjects Office (HSO) website  

Conflict of Interest in Research website  

HHS Electronic Code of Federal Regulations 45 CFR 46   

OHRP Guidance  

FDA Regulations Part 50  

FDA Regulations Part 56  

FDA Guidance  

This is the final article in the AAHRPP Accreditation series. Previous articles are available on the HSO website IRB Connection page . Information for this article was adapted from the AAHRPP website .  

Course-Related Student Projects: Is IRB Approval Required?  

Students may conduct some research projects with human participants as a course assignment without approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). According to the UI and IRB policies, all human subjects research conducted by University of Iowa faculty, staff, or students must have approval from the IRB prior to initiation. IRB review is required if the project is intended to “develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge,” including thesis or dissertation projects. However, research methods course projects are generally more limited in scope and are intended to help students learn how to conduct research. These projects satisfy curriculum requirements and are not intended to further scientific knowledge in a particular field or discipline.  

IRB Approval Not Required  

Course-related research activities would not require IRB approval if:  

The purpose of the assignment is to teach research methodology.  

The results of the assignment will not “contribute to generalizable knowledge” because they are only used to satisfy a course requirement or because of limits on who will have access to the results of the project.  

The procedures will be limited to surveys, questionnaires, interview procedures, observation of public behavior, or standard educational exercises.  

The projects will not include people who are incarcerated or minors as participants or utilize data about these two populations.  

Data will be recorded without any identifying information (such as code numbers, birth dates, etc.) or identified data are not sensitive in nature (i.e., do not pose a risk of harm to the participants’ reputation, employment, financial standing, or do not put them at risk for criminal or civil liability).  

The project is not receiving monetary compensation or direct financial support from an external company, organization, or agency.  

The project will not be conducted at the Veteran’s Administration Health Care System (VAHCS) or use any VA resources.  

The project is not conducted or supported by a federal department or agency that follows the federal regulations for the protection of human subjects (the ‘Common Rule’).  

NOTE: Honors, master’s, and doctoral thesis and dissertation projects always require IRB approval if they involve research with human subjects. If any aspect of the class project is intended to be used for a thesis or dissertation, students must obtain IRB approval prior to any study activities (recruitment, data collection, etc.).  

Policy and Checklist  

The “Course-Related Student Project” policy specifies the parameters for class projects that can be conducted without IRB approval and contains a link to the Course-Related Student Projects Checklist .  

The checklist is a fillable pdf that helps students and instructors determine whether a project qualifies as a course-related student project. If any aspect of the project design indicates that IRB approval might be required, a pop-up message directs the student to submit a Human Subjects Research Determination (HSRD) form in the HawkIRB system to ask if the project needs IRB approval. If that occurs, there will be a red STOP on the completed checklist.  

Students should complete the Course-Related Student Project Checklist based on their project design and submit it to the instructor. Based on the completed Checklist, the instructor is authorized to determine that a project complies with the policy and can be conducted without IRB approval. If there is a red STOP in the Checklist, the instructor should advise the student to submit an HSRD form and receive a determination before conducting any research activities.  

The policy and the checklist can be found in the UI Standard Operating Procedures and Researcher Guide ( Section I, Part 12.D). See also the Course Instructor Responsibilities for using the Course-Related Student Project policy and checklist.  

Information for Participants  

Even when a course-related student project can be conducted without IRB approval, it is a recommended best-practice that the student share the following information with potential subjects:  

Student name and name of the course  

Course instructor name and their contact information  

Who will have access to individual and summarized results (e.g., instructor, group/team members, the whole class, an outside company/agency/organization)  

That participation is voluntary, and they may stop participating at any time.  

Resources  

For more information, students and instructors may review the Course-Related Student Research Projects web page  and the Course-Related Student Research Projects Policy and Procedures educational tool the Human Subjects Office website.  

(link sends e-mail)

Learning Opportunity: IRB Overview lecture in ICON  

By rachel kinker, mpa  .

Do you work with or teach individuals who are new to the University of Iowa and learning to conduct human subjects research? The recorded IRB Overview presentation posted in the IRB ICON Course for Researchers provides a general orientation to the UI IRB and the IRB approval requirements for human subjects research.   

This is an excellent supplemental lecture for any research methods or responsible conduct of research course. It is also ideal for students doing research as a course requirement. Learners must access the IRB ICON course through the portal on the HSO website . After the first login, the course will appear in your ICON Dashboard.  

This presentation covers:  

Regulatory definition of human subjects research  

Guidelines for human subjects research: why and when IRB approval is required  

Basic ethical principles for the conduct of human subjects research  

Student Principal Investigator (PI) training requirements (HawkIRB Part 1 and 2 trainings)  

Criteria for IRB approval  

Information about the UI IRB  

What to expect from the IRB review process  

Research off campus or outside the United States  

Course-related student projects   

Additional resources exist for courses where students complete a research project as a course requirement. The IRB policy on Course Related Student Projects outlines conditions under which IRB approval is not required for these projects. Instructors should use the Course Related Student Project Checklist to determine whether IRB approval may be required.  

If your class needs further guidance on specific research-related topics, please reach out to [email protected] to discuss additional options.   

NIH researchers discover a new face-detecting brain circuit – NIH  

• This is What Drives the Migraine Headache': Scientists uncover 'missing link' in why some migraines happen – Live Science  
• Implantable Microphone could lead to fully internal cochlear implants – Science Daily  
• Scientists Discover New T cells and genes related to immune disorders – Science Daily  
• Keeping us young? Grandchild caregiving and older adults' cognitive functioning - Newswise  

IRB Efficiency Initiative Information Session

The Human Subjects Office invites the UI research community to attend monthly information sessions about the IRB Efficiency Initiative on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm, via Zoom. We will discuss the changes and demonstrate HawkIRB enhancements being implemented to streamline the IRB review process. The monthly sessions will cover upcoming enhancements and expected roll out dates. Pre-register to receive the Zoom link.  

Wednesday, August 28, 2024  

12:00 PM-1:00 PM  

Pre-register to recieve the Zoom link  

Office Hours  

Human Subjects Office staff host IRB Office Hours via Zoom to provide assistance with electronic IRB applications (in HawkIRB) and to discuss study proposals prior to submission.  All researchers are welcome to attend. No appointment is necessary.  

Summer office hours run June 5th through August 28th.  

Wednesdays (2:00 PM-4:00 PM) via Zoom  

Visit the Human Subjects Office website for complete information about IRB Office Hours and the Zoom link.  

Recorded Training  

The IRB ICON Course for Researchers HawkIRB training sessions provide an orientation to the electronic IRB application and review system. These sessions are for anyone preparing to submit a HawkIRB application for the first time and for those who would like guidance about the proper completion of HawkIRB forms. Five recorded trainings are available 24/7.   

The recorded trainings are available on ICON at IRB ICON Course for Researchers .   

Note: HawkIRB training Parts 1 and 2 satisfy the Student PI Training Requirement.