Writing a research proposal

This chapter outlines the process of writing a well-planned and well-structured research proposal. It stresses that the research proposal puts forward a clear research question or hypothesis and then sets out an experimental strategy for investigating the hypothesis or question within a defined period of time. The chapter asserts that it is a skill that a student will continue to develop as a research scientist, especially in writing a proposal at the beginning of the Master's or PhD research programme. The chapter then reviews the typical content of each component of the research proposal. It describes a strategy for writing the proposal, starting from defining the scope of the project to submitting the completed proposal. Ultimately, the chapter explores how a student can find funding sources for bioscience research. It describes how applications submitted to funding organizations are peer-reviewed and how the decision for allocating funding is reached.