Guidelines on Writing a Research Proposal

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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 (Much of this will come from the review). 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

1) Title Page

2) Table of Contents

3) Summary

4) Background

5) Methods

6) Research Plan

7) Resources

8) Training Environment

9) Anticipated Significance of Research

10) References

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 and CFI website for instruction to researchers for additional information on grant preparation.

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