Guidelines on Writing a Research Proposal
1) Executive Summary
Summarize your proposal in a few sentences. Include the objectives, significance, and
description of proposed work. You should also comment on anticipated outcomes
(deliverables)
2) Survey of Background Literature
i) Overview
Give context and brief argument for the need for progress in this research area and what
you propose to do, in simple, non-technical terms (for the benefit of the non scientists on
the committee). Also briefly emphasize the impact and outcomes from this work in
tangible terms, such as societal benefits.
ii) Background
Give a thorough introduction to the background science relevant to the general area of the
proposed research. Explain any relevant theory and standard techniques used in the area,
along with any acronyms and jargon typical to the field. Also provide background
material on any new methodologies if you intend to introduce to the field. Remember that
it is always better avoid the use of abbreviations and acronyms as much as possible.
ii) Relevance/Impact
In the context provided by the background science, lay out the argument that justifies the
need for research in this area. Point out the significance of these works to the field.
Comment on it potential impact on the development of the scientific area and on society
as a whole. What are we going to learn? Why is it important to learn this? How will this
new knowledge translate benefits to society such as economic impact, improvement in
quality of life, improvement to the environment etc etc...
3) Proposed Methodology
Outline the experimental and theoretical methods specific to the proposed research.
Justify the choice of methods as opposed to alternatives. Avoid giving too much detailed
information; just outline the general approach and why you chose to use them.
4) Research Plan
State the long- and short-term objectives of your research program. Outline specific
projects planned to meet these goals, including timelines for completion of each stage,
methods to be used, and dissemination of the results.
5) Resources
Provided details on the instrumentation and materials needed, along with estimates of
human resources required for each project.
6) Training Environment Provided.
Explain how this research provides training opportunities in essential skills for students
and research associates. Outline skills to be mastered along with a justification for the
need of these in the public and private sectors.
7) Anticipated Significance of Research
Explain what impact these anticipated results will have on the field, and how you intend
to communicate such results to the scientific community and society.
Evaluation
Content/scientific merit
25 %
Scope
25%
Format
25 %
Writing
25 %
(spelling, typographical accuracy, grammar, and the use of proper scientific idiom)
Structure
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Title Page
Table of Contents
Summary
Background
Methods
Research Plan
Resources
Training Environment
Anticipated Significance of Research
References
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All manuscripts must be written using double spacing.
Figure, tables, schemes must be clearly labeled, have an accompanying detailed
caption (single spaced), and be referred to in the text.
References and notes must the numbered in order of appearance.
All equations and schemes must be numbered in order of appearance.
Consult the American Chemical Society Style Guide, (The ACS Style Guide, 3rd ed.;
American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2006) for information on the format of
references, figure and table captions.
Consult the NSERC website for instruction to researchers for additional information on
grant preparation.