how to write a research proposal in microbiology

How to Write a Microbiology Research Proposal

How to Get a Ph.D. in Biology

Microbiology is the study of small organisms such as pathogens and bacteria. You can not see these organisms with your naked eye, you must use a microscope. Obtaining a degree in microbiology will prepare you for careers in pharmaceuticals, chemistry and quality control. A microbiology research proposal is a paper in which you choose a topic of interest and need, research it and present to a panel of reviewers as evidence of your knowledge of microbiology. This proposal is needed in completion in order to receive your graduate level degree in microbiology.

Clarify your topic. Make sure you provide enough information and background on your subject so anyone can follow and understand your proposal. The review panels may not be professionals in microbiology. Do not include unnecessary information away from the topic.

Write your proposal as if it were your final version. This will allow you to get constructive criticism that will help your final paper be the best possible.

Talk about your proposal with other colleagues. This will allow you to gather enough information to come up with two preproposals. Preproposals are one to two pages in length. One of your preproposals will become your chosen proposal topic.

Make sure you have all of the necessary pages of your proposal. Begin with the abstract. The abstract summarizes the points of your proposal in a short overview. Discuss the problem and how you will address it.

Discuss specific aims. Questions that your paper will answer are written in this section. Write it in outline format. It sets the outline of the experimental design portion of your proposal. Set realistic goals you can attain in two to three years in this section.

Discuss the background and significance. This is a lengthy section made up of several pages. This section makes the following sections clear to the panel. Cite former information about your profession that has already been published, here. You should also get across to your review panel that your proposal is important.

Discuss previous results. This shows your panel you are working on your proposal by providing them with statistics and information you have gathered thus far.

Write the experimental design section. This section lets your panel know you understand your proposal and you will have readable results. Here you will defend your work in detail. Make your goals and priorities apparent here.

Create a timetable. In this brief section let the panel know when you anticipate your proposal will be finished.

Create a list of literature cited. This is a standard reference page in which you list your sources.

Make sure your microbiology research proposal meets standard National Institute of Health format guidelines.

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• 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

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Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

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See an example

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.

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The Proposal Writer’s Guide

Introduction

Writing a proposal for a sponsored activity such as a research project or a curriculum development program is a problem of persuasion. It is well to assume that your reader is a busy, impatient, skeptical person who has no reason to give your proposal special consideration and who is faced with many more requests than he can grant, or even read thoroughly. Such a reader wants to find out quickly and easily the answers to these questions.

• What do you want to do, how much will it cost, and how much time will it take?
• How does the proposed project relate to the sponsor’s interests?
• What difference will the project make to: your students, your field, your patients, the state, the nation, the world, or whatever the appropriate categories are?
• What has already been done in the area of your project?
• How do you plan to do it?
• How will the results be evaluated or analyzed?
• Why should you, rather than someone else, do this project?

These questions will be answered in different ways and receive different emphases depending on the nature of the proposed project and on the agency to which the proposal is being submitted. Most agencies provide detailed instructions or guidelines concerning the preparation of proposals (and, in some cases, forms on which proposals are to be uploaded); obviously, such guidelines should be studied carefully before you begin writing the draft.

Bottom line: The principal investigator needs to keep in mind that a Grant Proposal is as much a marketing document as an intellectual document.

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Preliminary Steps

You will benefit by consulting a few key individuals at an early stage in the planning of the proposal.

• The Sponsor’s Program Officer (PO). Regardless of the funding agency, it is advisable (and sometimes required) to contact the program officer for the purposes of introducing yourself and your work. Let him or her know that you plan to apply, and seek their input on the program relevance of your proposed work. The PO also can discuss the latest agency guidelines, and can explain funding peculiarities that might affect your preparation of the proposal, such as the review process. In most cases, email the individual with a brief message introducing yourself and your project. Append a 1-2 page summary of your work and request feedback regarding the fit with the sponsor’s funding priorities; be sure that there is an adequate amount of time for the PO to respond before the deadline. Request a follow-up phone call and leave your contact information. If you have not heard from the PO in a week or so, follow up with a phone call.  
• Your department research administrator. This person will greatly appreciate advanced notice of your intent to submit as he or she will likely help you prepare the budget and application for submission, and will oversee the internal routing process of the Proposal Approval Form. The research administrator may also refer you to others on campus who may assist in issues such as human subjects review, the use of animals, potential conflicts of interest, off-campus work, subcontracting, space rental, staff additions, consultants, equipment purchase, biological hazards, proprietary material, cost sharing, and many other matters.  
• Your Chair/Dean. The department chair, whom you will eventually ask to approve the proposal and thereby endorse your plans for personnel and facility commitments, should be informed of your intentions and especially of any aspect of the proposed project that might conceivably affect departmental administration or your departmental duties. Early discussion of potential problems will smooth the way for the proposal. Several schools and colleges have associate deans with special responsibilities for sponsored programs. These persons can provide valuable help and advice both in substantive and administrative matters. They also may be able to suggest key collaborators or resources, and perhaps will be willing to review a draft before submission.

Research Proposals – Parts of a Proposal

Parts of a proposal.

Proposals for sponsored activities generally follow a similar format, although there are variations depending upon the sponsor and whether the PI is seeking support for a research grant, a training grant, or a conference or curriculum development project. Be sure to follow the outline contained in the sponsor’s guidelines. The following generic outline is generally focused on the components of a research proposal. (The follow-on section describes format variations required for other kinds of academic programs.)

Research Proposals

Typical parts of a research proposal are outlined below. Note that examples are pulled from databases of awards from either federal agencies (i.e., NSF and NIH) or foundations.

Cover Letter

Abstract or summary.

• Table of Contents
• Background or Significance
• Project Purpose
• Plan or Approach
• Institutional Resources
• ​Biosketches

This (usually optional) letter may be used to convey information that is pertinent to the review of the proposal. Make sure you identify your name, the University of Michigan, project title, RFP or and specific funding mechanism if any. Depending on sponsor’s regulations, this letter may be used to request a reviewer or a specific study section with special expertise in your field, or to identify conflicts with potential reviewers. Sometimes this letter is used to explain special circumstances, e.g., budget outside of limits, missed deadline, unique subawards, request to send in delayed preliminary data results before review date. State if you have attached any special approval documentation pertaining to any of the above.

The Title (or Cover) Page

Most sponsoring agencies specify the format for the title page, and some provide special forms to summarize basic administrative and fiscal data for the project. Generally, the principal investigator (PI), his or her department head, and an official representing the University sign the title page.

A good  title  is usually a compromise between conciseness and explicitness. One good way to cut the length of titles is to avoid words that add nothing to a reader’s understanding, such as “Studies on…,” “Investigations…,” or “Research on Some Problems in….” The title needs to: match interests of reviewers; use appropriate key words; be specific to the work to be accomplished; and be long enough to distinguish it from other studies in the field, but not too long to bore the reader. Examples of good titles are: “Applications of the motivic Becker-Gottlieb transfer,” “Advancing engineering education through virtual communities of practice,” “Structural controls of functional receptor and antibody binding to viral capsids,” “Active tectonics of the Africa-Eurasia zone of plate interaction in the Western Mediterranean.”

Every proposal should have an abstract. The abstract forms the reader’s initial impression of the work, and therefore plays a big role on whether the application is funded. The abstract speaks for the proposal when it is separated from it, provides the reader with his or her first impression of the request, and, by acting as a summary, frequently provides the reader their last impression. Some reviewers read only the abstract, e.g., a foundation board of directors’ member who votes on final funding decisions. Thus it is the most important single element in the proposal.

To present the essential meaning of the proposal, the abstract should summarize the significance (need) of the work, the hypothesis and major objectives of the project, the procedures to be followed to accomplish the objectives, and the potential impact of the work. Though it appears first, the abstract should be edited last, as a concise summary of the proposal. Length depends on sponsor’s guidelines (from ½ to 2 pages).

Agencies often use the abstract verbatim to disseminate award information.

The Table of Contents (ToC)

Whether to include a ToC depends on (a) the direction in the guidelines, and (b) the complexity and length of the proposal.

Very brief proposals with few sections ordinarily do not need a table of contents; the guiding consideration in this is the reader’s convenience.

Long and detailed proposals may require, in addition to a table of contents, a list of illustrations (or figures) and a list of tables.

If all of these are included, they should follow the order mentioned, and each should be numbered with lower-case Roman numerals. If they are brief, more than one can be put on a single page. 

The Background Section or Significance (Need) for the Work

This section will be labeled differently depending on the guidelines. It addresses why the proposed work is important in the field, and answers the question, “so what?” In this section, provide the status quo of the relevant work field and identify a gap in knowledge or activities that must be filled to move the field forward. Sufficient details should be given in this discussion (1) to make clear what the research problem is and exactly what has been accomplished; (2) to give evidence of your own competence in the field; and (3) to show why the previous work needs to be continued.

Literature reviews should be selective and critical. Reviewers do not want to read through a voluminous working bibliography; they want to know the pertinent works and your evaluation of them. Discussions of work done by others should therefore lead the reader to a clear impression of how you will be building upon what has already been done and how your work differs from theirs. It is important to establish what is original in your approach (innovative), what circumstances have changed since related work was done, or what is unique about the time and place of the proposed research. Note: guidelines may require a separate section for innovation or for transformative potential of the work.

This is one place where a PI may include their own work (and that of their research team) related or preliminary to the proposed study. Preliminary data or pilot studies must relate directly to the hypothesis or aims, and show the reviewer that the aims are feasible and the team has the required experience and skills. Data may or may not be published, but published data have more credibility.

Purpose of the Project (Aims or Objectives)

This section describes what will be accomplished or tested in the project.

Research proposals usually are focused on a central hypothesis. A good research grant hypothesis is a testable, focused, clear, declarative statement of relationships between variables based on previous observations. Sometimes research questions are used in place of hypotheses, especially if work is in early stages. And sometimes working hypotheses (per aim) are used in place of a central hypothesis. This decision is often based on common practice in the discipline or field.

The objectives (or aims) should focus on outcome as opposed to process . For example, the outcome of the work is “ To identify the candidate allele; ” while the process of getting there includes “ to run several trials on samples .” There should be 2 to 4 outcome objectives per proposal. When writing aims, use active, measurable terms, e.g., to identify , to characterize vs. to study . 

Research Plan (Approach)

This section includes a comprehensive explanation of the proposed research, and is addressed to other specialists in your field (not to laymen). The section is the heart of the proposal and is the primary concern of the technical reviewers. To make it clear and easy to follow, you may need several subsections tailored to your work. Research design is a large subject and cannot be covered here, but a few reminders concerning frequently mishandled aspects of proposals may be helpful.  

• Be realistic in designing the program of work. Overly optimistic notions of what the project can accomplish in one, two, or three years, or of its effects on the world, will only detract from the proposal’s chances of being approved. A frequent comment made by reviewers to new investigators is “the work is too ambitious.” Research plans should be scaled down to a more specific and manageable project that will permit the approach to be evaluated and, if successful, will form a sound basis for further work. In other words, your proposal should distinguish clearly between long-range research goals and the short-range objectives (2 – 4) for which funding is being sought.  
• If your first year must be spent developing an analytical method or laying groundwork, spell that out as Phase 1. Then at the end of the year you will be able to report that you have accomplished something and are ready to undertake Phase 2.
• Be clear about the focus of the research. Be explicit about the hypotheses the research method rests upon, and restate the aims from the Purpose section.
• Be as detailed as possible about the schedule of the proposed work. When will the first step be completed? When can subsequent steps be started? What must be done before what else, and what can be done at the same time? A Timeline detailing the projected sequence and interrelationship of major tasks often gives the sponsor assurance that the investigator is capable of careful step-by-step planning, and that the work will be accomplished in an efficient and feasible manner.  
• If you are proposing new, risky or unorthodox methods, be sure to include adequate justification, e.g., references in literature about success of these methods in similar studies.
• Be specific about the means of evaluating the data, conducting the analysis, or determining the conclusions. Try to imagine the questions or objections of a hostile critic and show that the research plan anticipates them. This is a good reason to have your proposal pre-reviewed by peers in your field before sending to the sponsor.
• Be certain that the connection between the research objectives and the research method is evident. If a reviewer fails to see this connection, s/he will probably not give your proposal any further consideration.

List of References

If a list of references is to be included, it is placed at the end of the text. This section typically is not counted in the page limitation of the Research Description.

In the text, references to the list can be made in various ways; a simple way is to use a raised number at the appropriate place, like this.1 Such numbers should be placed outside any contiguous marks of punctuation. If you have space, you might consider the American Psychological Association style because the reader does not have to refer to the reference list to see authors and data of publication, e.g., (Wiseguy, 2014).

The style of the bibliographical item itself depends on the disciplinary field. The main consideration is consistency; whatever style is chosen should be followed scrupulously throughout. In most cases in bibliography, you will not use “et al” but will include full names of authors.

Remember, NSF applications need to include specific activities in response to their criterion of Broader Impacts in several sections (Summary, Recent NSF Support, Project Description). 

The Description of Relevant Institutional Resources/Environment

The nature of this section depends on your project, but in general this section details the resources available to the proposed project. It underscores why the sponsor should wish to choose this University and this investigator(s) for this particular research. Some relevant points may be the institution’s demonstrated competence in the pertinent research area, its abundance of experts in related areas that may benefit the project, its supportive services that will directly benefit the project, and its unique or unusual research facilities or instruments available to the project.

When collaborating with another institution, that partner also will submit an Institutional Resources section.

The Budget Section: Budget & Budget Justification

The budget is a line item (tabular) representation of the expenses associated with the proposal project. The Budget Justification contains more in depth detail of the costs behind the line items, and sometimes explains the use of the funds where not evident. Examples include the need for consultants, or the unavailability within the University of an item of equipment proposed for purchase. Foreign travel should be specifically detailed and justified, and not combined with domestic travel. The need to travel to professional meetings should be tied to the proposed project, if possible.

Cost estimates need to be as accurate as possible to cover the expenses proposed in the project. Reviewers will note both over- and under-estimations.

The budget should be developed with your departmental research administrator, in consultation with the appropriate ORSP project representative as needed. Sponsors customarily specify how budgets should be presented and what costs are allowable. The overview given here is for preliminary guidance only.

Typical divisions of the line item (tabular) budget are personnel, equipment, supplies, services, travel, and indirect costs (IDC). Other categories can be added as needed. The budget should make clear how the totals for each category of expenses are reached. Salary information, for example, often needs to be specified in detail: principal investigator (.5 FTE for 3 months at $80,000 [9-month appointment]) = $13,333. Make clear if salary totals involve two different rates (e.g., because of an anticipated increase in salary during the budget period).

The category of Personnel includes not only the base salary or wage for each person on the project, but also (listed separately) the percentage added for staff benefits. The current figure used for approximately the average cost of staff benefits is 30% of the total salaries and wages. Project representatives should be consulted on the calculation of staff benefits, because the rate may vary significantly depending on the kinds of personnel involved and the selected benefit option. A table is available from ORSP.

Graduate Student Research Assistants, who are to be employed on research projects for more than 1/2 time, may have part of their tuition costs covered by their unit. The remaining tuition costs must be included as a line item in the budget to the sponsor.

Indirect costs (IDC) are shown as a separate category, usually as the last item before the grand total. Indirect costs are figured as a fixed percentage of the total direct costs (modified by various exceptions).  For federally funded grants, some items are excluded from IDC, e.g., equipment (over $5,000), graduate research assistant tuition, and the balance of subcontracts over $25,000.

Because indirect cost percentages change after periodic negotiations with the federal government, PIs should consult their departmental research administrator or an ORSP project representative before calculating this part of their budget.

If cost sharing is required (mandated) by the sponsor, please check with your departmental research administrator for how to show that in the budget. This must be approved by your Chair or Dean.

To call attention to the variety of expenses that might arise in the conduct of a research project, a  checklist * of possible budget items is included here. This checklist suggests many of the expenses that might be appropriate to your budget, but consultation with the ORSP project representative is important. S/he can help ensure (1) that the budget has not omitted appropriate elements of cost, such as service charges for the use of certain University facilities (for example, surveys conducted by the Institute for Social Research); (2) that any estimates for construction, alterations, or equipment installation have been properly obtained and recorded; (3) that costs are not duplicated between the direct and indirect cost categories; (4) that the budget complies with any cost-sharing requirements of the sponsor; (5) that provisions are made for the escalation of costs as may be appropriate; and (6) that costs in all categories are realistically estimated.

Checklist for Proposal Budget Items Directly Tied to the Project:

A. Salaries and Wages

1. Academic personnel 2. Research assistants 3. Stipends (training grants only) 4. Consultants 5. Interviewers 6. Computer programmer 7. Data managers or analysts 8. Administrators 10. Editorial assistants 11. Technicians 12. Study/clinical coordinators 13. Hourly personnel 14. Staff benefits 15. Salary increases in proposals that extend into a new year, e.g., Cost of Living increases 16. Vacation accrual and/or use B. Equipment

1. Fixed equipment 2. Movable equipment 3. Office equipment 4. Equipment installation C. Materials and Supplies

1. Office supplies specifically for project 2. Communications 3. Test materials or samples 4. Questionnaire forms 5. Data access 6. Animals 7. Animal care 8. Laboratory supplies 9. Glassware 10. Chemicals 11. Electronic supplies 12. Report materials and supplies D. Travel

1. Professional conferences 2. Field work 3. Sponsor meetings 4. Travel for consultation 5. Consultants’ travel 6. Mileage for research participants 7. Subsistence 8. Automobile rental 9. Aircraft rental 10. Ship rental

E. Services

1. Computer use/data storage 2. Duplication services (reports, etc.) 3. Publication costs 4. Photographic/graphic services 5. Service contracts 6. ISR services (e.g., surveys) 7. Data analysis

1. Space rental 2. Alterations and renovations 3. Purchase of data, periodicals, books 4. Subjects/Research participants 5. Patient reimbursement 6. Tuition and fees 7. Hospitalization 8. Subcontracts

The Appendices

Some writers are prone to append peripheral documents of various kinds to their proposals on the theory that the bulk will buttress their case. Most sponsors restrict what can be appended, if anything. If not restricted, remember that reviewers almost never read such appendices, and may resent “the padding.” The best rule of thumb is: When in doubt, leave it out.

Appendices are occasionally used for letters of endorsement or collaboration, and reprints of relevant articles if they are not available electronically. Other uses may be data tables, surveys, questionnaires, data collection instruments, clinical protocols, and informed consent documents, as allowed by the sponsor.

If two or more appendices are included in a proposal, they should be designated Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.

Biosketches

The Biosketch in a grant proposal gives the investigators the opportunity to highlight their expertise and experience related to the proposal work . The format and length may be specified in the guidelines. Education should include not only degrees, but additional courses or activities that underscore your skills in a relevant area. Under professional positions, be sure to include post doc experiences. Publications reflect your productivity, work record, and collegiality; the most valuable publications are full articles in peer review journals where the subject is relevant to the proposed work and the investigator is a primary contributor; you can include papers accepted for publication by a journal. Remember, you may be able to annotate individual publications to show how this relates to the proposed work.

If given the option to write a personal statement as part of the Biosketch, compose it thoughtfully. Describe not only your background and qualifications to conduct the proposed work (e.g., post doc work, experience in essential methodology), but your prior work with your co-investigators.

B. Proposals for Academic Programs

It may be that your need is not for a research grant, but for outside sponsorship of an academic program involving a new curriculum, a conference, a summer seminar, pipeline activities, or training. If so, once again your best proposal preparation is to carefully consult guidelines that the sponsoring agency provides, and communicate with the program officer (as above). In the event that guidelines are not available, crucial elements include:

Statement of Need for the Program : Be sure to describe unmet need in the field and gap in the current programing, and why it is important to fill the gap. Cite statistics and demographics as appropriate.

Objectives : Specify the intended outcomes such as developing a curriculum, recruiting participation in a field, synergizing new ideas, or offering education or skill training.

Program description : This section lists the courses, activities or instructional sessions to be offered; the interrelationship of parts; involvement of stakeholders if appropriate; and the program leading to certification or a degree. It discusses the students or participants to be selected and served by the program, as well as plans for faculty retreats, negotiation with cooperating institutions, released time to write instructional materials, and so on. As always, a Timeline is a good idea. Most sponsors want to see a plan for evaluating the outcome of the activities, e.g., academic or career tracking, publications, participation numbers, new databases, course evaluations.

Before concluding with the  Institutional Resources, Personnel , and  Budget  sections, special attention should be given to a section entitled Institutional Commitment . Here the agreements made by various departments and cooperating institutions are clarified, and the willingness of the home institution to carry on the program once it has proven itself is certified. This section is crucial to the success of curriculum development programs because, in contrast to research programs, they have a profound impact on the host institution. Funding agencies need to be reassured that their funds will not be wasted by an institution that has only responded to a funding opportunity without reflecting soberly upon the long-range commitments implied.

Inquiries to Private Foundations

Proposals to foundations have a better chance of succeeding if they are preceded by an informal contact. This contact is usually a brief (not more than two pages) letter outlining the proposed project, suggesting why the foundation should be interested in it, and requesting an appointment to discuss it in further detail. Such a letter permits an investigator to make inquiries to several foundations at once and gives an interested foundation the chance to offer suggestions before receiving the formal proposal. In many cases, the letter of inquiry is required for the purposes of either preparing for reviews or screening out non-responsive ideas. (Please note that it is still acceptable to contact the program officer before you submit your letter of inquiry.)

Most foundations have specific areas of interest for which they award funds. It is essential that the grant seeker identify those foundations whose interests match the proposed project. Seldom will a foundation fund a project outside of its stated field of interest.

The initial letter of inquiry should demonstrate that the investigator is acquainted with the work and purposes of the particular foundation being approached and should point out a clear connection between these and the proposed project. A letter so generally phrased that it could be a form letter is almost certain to be disregarded. An effective letter will discuss the significance or uniqueness of the project: Who will benefit? Who cares about the results? What difference will it make if the project is not funded? It will give enough indication of step-by-step planning to show that the project has been thought through and that pitfalls have been anticipated. It will demonstrate the writer’s grasp of the subject and his or her credentials to undertake the project. It will emphasize at the same time that this is a preliminary inquiry, not a formal proposal, and that the investigator will send further details if the foundation wishes, or, better yet, will visit the foundation to discuss the project in depth. It is unnecessary in the preliminary inquiry to include a detailed budget, although an overall cost estimate should be mentioned.

A good letter, then, might begin something like the following: “Because of the interest the __________ Foundation has shown in __________, I am writing to solicit its support for a project that will __________.” This should be followed by a sentence describing the program, the institution, and another one or two concerning the need for and uniqueness of the project.

The body of the letter should consist of three or four paragraphs giving the context or background of the project, its scope and methodology, the time required for its completion, the institutional commitments, and any special capabilities that will ensure the project’s success. A separate paragraph might be given to some of the major categories of the proposed budget, including a rounded total direct cost estimate, and mention of any matching fund or cost-sharing arrangements, either in dollars or in-kind contributions.

The last paragraph could be patterned along these lines: “Please let me know if you would like to discuss this idea further or have any questions. My contact information is ______________________. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your consideration.”

This letter of inquiry is crucially important, and in preparing it investigators should avail themselves of the advice and help of foundation relations staff in the Schools and Colleges. Contacting U-M Development’s Foundation Relations office for help in approaching and coordinating activities with foundations also is a good idea. Contacts with some foundations are controlled by this office and others are coordinated. UM Foundation Relations can provide valuable consultation, e.g., prior funding to the University of Michigan. Refer to their “Foundation Funding for Faculty” at foundations.umich.edu for advice on how to write a letter of inquiry, sample awarded proposals, foundation prospecting, etc.

Detailed information about the foundation’s priorities can be gleaned from the foundation’s annual reports and from the list of projects that the foundation has actually supported. 

Organizing Your Writing Approach

First, start (don’t finish) with the sponsor’s guidelines. Mark them as you study, noting such things as funder’s priorities, eligibility requirements, formatting details, deadline, content idiosyncrasies, review criteria, etc. The guidelines will probably specify certain topics or questions that must be addressed. If possible, use the sponsor’s exact phrases as your headings. You may even wish to borrow some of the language of the guidelines if it fits naturally into the framework of your proposal. For example, if the sponsor is looking for a “transdisciplinary” approaches to the problem, you would do well to use that term rather than “interdisciplinary” to describe the same activities.

Second, after you have studied the guidelines, if there are sections that are either too vague or too specific for comfort, check with the department research administrator who may be familiar with this opportunity. This way you will also alert the administrator to your intent to submit and allow them to plan the process. Alternatively, ORSP staff or the sponsor’s program staff may be able to provide a clarification.

Third, break the proposal up into small and simple subsections – especially if more than one person will be writing. Give each subsection headings and subheadings (referring again to the guidelines), and write slavishly to this outline. Using subheadings liberally will not only help you organize your material, but will also guide reviewers through your project description?

Fourth, compare your budget and your text to insure that for every cost figure a corresponding activity is mentioned and justified in the text.

Fifth, pay special attention to the abstract. Having rushed through the project description, you will find that careful construction of the abstract will serve both as a summary of what you intend to do and as a check on whether you have omitted any essential topics. Don’t just copy and paste your Aims or Significance section. Make this section fresh, informative and engaging; remember that the reviewer may go directly to your Project Description after reading the Abstract, so avoid redundant language.

Sixth, get an internal review from respected colleagues before you send to the funder for review!

Why Proposals Are Rejected

Assuming that funds are available, that eligibility is met, and that political considerations are not present, the success of a proposal will depend both on the quality of the project itself and the quality of its presentation in the proposal. Different reviewers, of course, will weigh merits and defects differently, but the following list of short-comings of 605 proposals rejected by the National Institutes of Health is worth pondering. The list is derived from an article by Dr. Ernest M. Allen (Chief of the Division of Research Grants, NIH) that appeared in Science, Vol. 132 (November 25, 1960), pp. 1532-34. (The percentages given total more than 100 because more than one item may have been cited for a particular proposal.)

A. Problem (Significance) (58%)

• The problem is not of sufficient importance or is unlikely to produce any new or useful information. (33.1)
• The proposed research is based on a hypothesis that rests on insufficient evidence, is doubtful, or is unsound. (8.9)
• The problem is more complex than the investigator appears to realize. (8.1)
• The problem has only local significance, or is one of production or control, or otherwise fails to fall sufficiently clearly within the general field of health-related research. (4.8)
• The problem is scientifically premature and warrants, at most, only a pilot study. (3.1)
• The research as proposed is overly involved, with too many elements under simultaneous investigation. (3.0)
• The description of the nature of the research and of its significance leaves the proposal nebulous and diffuse and without a clear research aim. (2.6)

B. Approach (73%)

• The proposed tests, or methods, or scientific procedures are unsuited to the stated objective. (34.7)
• The description of the approach is too nebulous, diffuse, and lacking in clarity to permit adequate evaluation. (28.8)
• The overall design of the study has not been carefully thought out. (14.7)
• The statistical aspects of the approach have not been given sufficient consideration. (8.1)
• The approach lacks scientific imagination. (7.4)
• Controls are either inadequately conceived or inadequately described. (6.8)
• The material the investigator proposes to use is unsuited to the objective of the study or is difficult to obtain. (3.8)
• The number of observations is unsuitable. (2.5)
• The equipment contemplated is outmoded or otherwise unsuitable. (1.0)

C. Investigator (55%)

• The investigator does not have adequate experience or training for this research. (32.6)
• The investigator appears to be unfamiliar with recent pertinent literature or methods. (13.7)
• The investigator’s previously published work in this field does not inspire confidence. (12.6)
• The investigator proposes to rely too heavily on insufficiently experienced associates. (5.0)
• The investigator is spreading themselves too thin; they will be more productive if they concentrate on fewer projects. (3.8)
• The investigator needs more liaisons with colleagues in this field or in collateral fields. (1.7)

D. Other (16%)

• The requirements for equipment or personnel are unrealistic. (10.1)
• It appears that other responsibilities would prevent devotion of sufficient time and attention to this research. (3.0)
• The institutional setting is unfavorable. (2.3)
• Research grants to the investigator, now in force, are adequate in scope and amount to cover the proposed research. (1.5)

More recent statistics largely support the rankings of proposal sections above. Sally Rockey, Deputy Director for Extramural Research at NIH, published a blog that included a discussion of the correlation between the overall Impact score (essentially what determines whether you get funded), and the five other NIH criteria. Scores for the criterion in order of regression weight were Approach (6.7), followed by Significance (Problem) (3.3), Innovation (1.4), Investigator (1.3), and Environment (-0.1). This means the most important sections of the Project Description are the Approach (work plan) followed by the perceived importance of the work (Significance).

The following list is composed of grant proposal “dos” and “don’ts” that are in addition to those above:

• Respond directly to the priorities of the funder and make the connection clear (do not assume the sponsor will change the guidelines just because you have a good idea that falls outside of them).
• Follow the guidelines explicitly both in content and format.
• Positively represent your capabilities, e.g., “We have a strong academic program, but we want to reach more students” vs “We do not have any resources.”
• Present evidence that (a) this issue is significant in the field (based on literature review, statistics, stakeholder opinions, etc.), and (b) your project is likely to succeed (e.g., preliminary data or pilot study).
• Make sure you have described adequate expertise on your team and physical resources to do the work.
• Make sure you have an evaluation plan for project proposals (e.g., measure outcomes in the classroom or in the community).
• Use foundation funds to leverage other funding and at minimum show sustainability of the program.
• Publish results of all funding.
• Write clearly, succinctly; follow an outline; and support your assertions with references or data.
• Try to do too much in light of your experience and skills, the budget, the time allotted, your access to study participants (e.g., subjects), and your resources. Being “too ambitious” is a common rookie mistake, and is reflected in many of the comments above.
• Duplicate other funded projects.
• Resubmit a proposal without revisions in response to reviewer’s comments.
• Submit a large research proposal without a publication history in the area.
• Write a budget that is either too small (skimping) or too large (padding) for the proposal work.

Remember, many of these “don’ts” can be identified by your peer reviewers before you submit. Best wishes! 

Correlation Between Overall Impact Scores and Criterion Scores

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Chika Ejikeugwu (PhD, 2017, UNIZIK, Nigeria) is a Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Stiftung in Germany. Dr. Chika Ejikeugwu is currently a Research Fellow at the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany, where he is working on "the soilRESIST project to investigate the effects of antibiotic mixtures on soil microbiomes." He founded Africa's Number 1 Microbiology website, www.MicrobiologyClass.net. Dr. Chika Ejikeugwu was a DAAD postdoctoral fellow at Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin, Germany (2021) and a MIF Postdoctoral Fellow at Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan (2018). In 2021, he was awarded the Young Investigator Award on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by Institute Mérieux in France. Dr. Chika Ejikeugwu is a member of the Global Young Academy in Germany, and a member of other professional (microbiology) societies including Applied Microbiology International (AMI), European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), Nigerian Society for Microbiology (NSM) and American Society for Microbiology (ASM). He holds a doctorate degree in Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology. Dr. Chika Ejikeugwu is a Senior Lecturer & Researcher at Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT), Nigeria where he mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students on microbiology & other aspects of life. He has a flair for teaching, research and community service.

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• Indian J Anaesth
• v.60(9); 2016 Sep

How to write a research proposal?

Department of Anaesthesiology, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Devika Rani Duggappa

Writing the proposal of a research work in the present era is a challenging task due to the constantly evolving trends in the qualitative research design and the need to incorporate medical advances into the methodology. The proposal is a detailed plan or ‘blueprint’ for the intended study, and once it is completed, the research project should flow smoothly. Even today, many of the proposals at post-graduate evaluation committees and application proposals for funding are substandard. A search was conducted with keywords such as research proposal, writing proposal and qualitative using search engines, namely, PubMed and Google Scholar, and an attempt has been made to provide broad guidelines for writing a scientifically appropriate research proposal.

INTRODUCTION

A clean, well-thought-out proposal forms the backbone for the research itself and hence becomes the most important step in the process of conduct of research.[ 1 ] The objective of preparing a research proposal would be to obtain approvals from various committees including ethics committee [details under ‘Research methodology II’ section [ Table 1 ] in this issue of IJA) and to request for grants. However, there are very few universally accepted guidelines for preparation of a good quality research proposal. A search was performed with keywords such as research proposal, funding, qualitative and writing proposals using search engines, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Five ‘C’s while writing a literature review

BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A proposal needs to show how your work fits into what is already known about the topic and what new paradigm will it add to the literature, while specifying the question that the research will answer, establishing its significance, and the implications of the answer.[ 2 ] The proposal must be capable of convincing the evaluation committee about the credibility, achievability, practicality and reproducibility (repeatability) of the research design.[ 3 ] Four categories of audience with different expectations may be present in the evaluation committees, namely academic colleagues, policy-makers, practitioners and lay audiences who evaluate the research proposal. Tips for preparation of a good research proposal include; ‘be practical, be persuasive, make broader links, aim for crystal clarity and plan before you write’. A researcher must be balanced, with a realistic understanding of what can be achieved. Being persuasive implies that researcher must be able to convince other researchers, research funding agencies, educational institutions and supervisors that the research is worth getting approval. The aim of the researcher should be clearly stated in simple language that describes the research in a way that non-specialists can comprehend, without use of jargons. The proposal must not only demonstrate that it is based on an intelligent understanding of the existing literature but also show that the writer has thought about the time needed to conduct each stage of the research.[ 4 , 5 ]

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The contents or formats of a research proposal vary depending on the requirements of evaluation committee and are generally provided by the evaluation committee or the institution.

In general, a cover page should contain the (i) title of the proposal, (ii) name and affiliation of the researcher (principal investigator) and co-investigators, (iii) institutional affiliation (degree of the investigator and the name of institution where the study will be performed), details of contact such as phone numbers, E-mail id's and lines for signatures of investigators.

The main contents of the proposal may be presented under the following headings: (i) introduction, (ii) review of literature, (iii) aims and objectives, (iv) research design and methods, (v) ethical considerations, (vi) budget, (vii) appendices and (viii) citations.[ 4 ]

Introduction

It is also sometimes termed as ‘need for study’ or ‘abstract’. Introduction is an initial pitch of an idea; it sets the scene and puts the research in context.[ 6 ] The introduction should be designed to create interest in the reader about the topic and proposal. It should convey to the reader, what you want to do, what necessitates the study and your passion for the topic.[ 7 ] Some questions that can be used to assess the significance of the study are: (i) Who has an interest in the domain of inquiry? (ii) What do we already know about the topic? (iii) What has not been answered adequately in previous research and practice? (iv) How will this research add to knowledge, practice and policy in this area? Some of the evaluation committees, expect the last two questions, elaborated under a separate heading of ‘background and significance’.[ 8 ] Introduction should also contain the hypothesis behind the research design. If hypothesis cannot be constructed, the line of inquiry to be used in the research must be indicated.

Review of literature

It refers to all sources of scientific evidence pertaining to the topic in interest. In the present era of digitalisation and easy accessibility, there is an enormous amount of relevant data available, making it a challenge for the researcher to include all of it in his/her review.[ 9 ] It is crucial to structure this section intelligently so that the reader can grasp the argument related to your study in relation to that of other researchers, while still demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. It is preferable to summarise each article in a paragraph, highlighting the details pertinent to the topic of interest. The progression of review can move from the more general to the more focused studies, or a historical progression can be used to develop the story, without making it exhaustive.[ 1 ] Literature should include supporting data, disagreements and controversies. Five ‘C's may be kept in mind while writing a literature review[ 10 ] [ Table 1 ].

Aims and objectives

The research purpose (or goal or aim) gives a broad indication of what the researcher wishes to achieve in the research. The hypothesis to be tested can be the aim of the study. The objectives related to parameters or tools used to achieve the aim are generally categorised as primary and secondary objectives.

Research design and method

The objective here is to convince the reader that the overall research design and methods of analysis will correctly address the research problem and to impress upon the reader that the methodology/sources chosen are appropriate for the specific topic. It should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

In this section, the methods and sources used to conduct the research must be discussed, including specific references to sites, databases, key texts or authors that will be indispensable to the project. There should be specific mention about the methodological approaches to be undertaken to gather information, about the techniques to be used to analyse it and about the tests of external validity to which researcher is committed.[ 10 , 11 ]

The components of this section include the following:[ 4 ]

Population and sample

Population refers to all the elements (individuals, objects or substances) that meet certain criteria for inclusion in a given universe,[ 12 ] and sample refers to subset of population which meets the inclusion criteria for enrolment into the study. The inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly defined. The details pertaining to sample size are discussed in the article “Sample size calculation: Basic priniciples” published in this issue of IJA.

Data collection

The researcher is expected to give a detailed account of the methodology adopted for collection of data, which include the time frame required for the research. The methodology should be tested for its validity and ensure that, in pursuit of achieving the results, the participant's life is not jeopardised. The author should anticipate and acknowledge any potential barrier and pitfall in carrying out the research design and explain plans to address them, thereby avoiding lacunae due to incomplete data collection. If the researcher is planning to acquire data through interviews or questionnaires, copy of the questions used for the same should be attached as an annexure with the proposal.

Rigor (soundness of the research)

This addresses the strength of the research with respect to its neutrality, consistency and applicability. Rigor must be reflected throughout the proposal.

It refers to the robustness of a research method against bias. The author should convey the measures taken to avoid bias, viz. blinding and randomisation, in an elaborate way, thus ensuring that the result obtained from the adopted method is purely as chance and not influenced by other confounding variables.

Consistency

Consistency considers whether the findings will be consistent if the inquiry was replicated with the same participants and in a similar context. This can be achieved by adopting standard and universally accepted methods and scales.

Applicability

Applicability refers to the degree to which the findings can be applied to different contexts and groups.[ 13 ]

Data analysis

This section deals with the reduction and reconstruction of data and its analysis including sample size calculation. The researcher is expected to explain the steps adopted for coding and sorting the data obtained. Various tests to be used to analyse the data for its robustness, significance should be clearly stated. Author should also mention the names of statistician and suitable software which will be used in due course of data analysis and their contribution to data analysis and sample calculation.[ 9 ]

Ethical considerations

Medical research introduces special moral and ethical problems that are not usually encountered by other researchers during data collection, and hence, the researcher should take special care in ensuring that ethical standards are met. Ethical considerations refer to the protection of the participants' rights (right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to autonomy and confidentiality, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm), obtaining informed consent and the institutional review process (ethical approval). The researcher needs to provide adequate information on each of these aspects.

Informed consent needs to be obtained from the participants (details discussed in further chapters), as well as the research site and the relevant authorities.

When the researcher prepares a research budget, he/she should predict and cost all aspects of the research and then add an additional allowance for unpredictable disasters, delays and rising costs. All items in the budget should be justified.

Appendices are documents that support the proposal and application. The appendices will be specific for each proposal but documents that are usually required include informed consent form, supporting documents, questionnaires, measurement tools and patient information of the study in layman's language.

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used in composing your proposal. Although the words ‘references and bibliography’ are different, they are used interchangeably. It refers to all references cited in the research proposal.

Successful, qualitative research proposals should communicate the researcher's knowledge of the field and method and convey the emergent nature of the qualitative design. The proposal should follow a discernible logic from the introduction to presentation of the appendices.

Financial support and sponsorship

Conflicts of interest.

There are no conflicts of interest.

• Research Process

Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

• 5 minute read
• 97.6K views

Table of Contents

The importance of a well-written research proposal cannot be underestimated. Your research really is only as good as your proposal. A poorly written, or poorly conceived research proposal will doom even an otherwise worthy project. On the other hand, a well-written, high-quality proposal will increase your chances for success.

In this article, we’ll outline the basics of writing an effective scientific research proposal, including the differences between research proposals, grants and cover letters. We’ll also touch on common mistakes made when submitting research proposals, as well as a simple example or template that you can follow.

What is a scientific research proposal?

The main purpose of a scientific research proposal is to convince your audience that your project is worthwhile, and that you have the expertise and wherewithal to complete it. The elements of an effective research proposal mirror those of the research process itself, which we’ll outline below. Essentially, the research proposal should include enough information for the reader to determine if your proposed study is worth pursuing.

It is not an uncommon misunderstanding to think that a research proposal and a cover letter are the same things. However, they are different. The main difference between a research proposal vs cover letter content is distinct. Whereas the research proposal summarizes the proposal for future research, the cover letter connects you to the research, and how you are the right person to complete the proposed research.

There is also sometimes confusion around a research proposal vs grant application. Whereas a research proposal is a statement of intent, related to answering a research question, a grant application is a specific request for funding to complete the research proposed. Of course, there are elements of overlap between the two documents; it’s the purpose of the document that defines one or the other.

Scientific Research Proposal Format

Although there is no one way to write a scientific research proposal, there are specific guidelines. A lot depends on which journal you’re submitting your research proposal to, so you may need to follow their scientific research proposal template.

In general, however, there are fairly universal sections to every scientific research proposal. These include:

• Title: Make sure the title of your proposal is descriptive and concise. Make it catch and informative at the same time, avoiding dry phrases like, “An investigation…” Your title should pique the interest of the reader.
• Abstract: This is a brief (300-500 words) summary that includes the research question, your rationale for the study, and any applicable hypothesis. You should also include a brief description of your methodology, including procedures, samples, instruments, etc.
• Introduction: The opening paragraph of your research proposal is, perhaps, the most important. Here you want to introduce the research problem in a creative way, and demonstrate your understanding of the need for the research. You want the reader to think that your proposed research is current, important and relevant.
• Background: Include a brief history of the topic and link it to a contemporary context to show its relevance for today. Identify key researchers and institutions also looking at the problem
• Literature Review: This is the section that may take the longest amount of time to assemble. Here you want to synthesize prior research, and place your proposed research into the larger picture of what’s been studied in the past. You want to show your reader that your work is original, and adds to the current knowledge.
• Research Design and Methodology: This section should be very clearly and logically written and organized. You are letting your reader know that you know what you are going to do, and how. The reader should feel confident that you have the skills and knowledge needed to get the project done.
• Preliminary Implications: Here you’ll be outlining how you anticipate your research will extend current knowledge in your field. You might also want to discuss how your findings will impact future research needs.
• Conclusion: This section reinforces the significance and importance of your proposed research, and summarizes the entire proposal.
• References/Citations: Of course, you need to include a full and accurate list of any and all sources you used to write your research proposal.

Common Mistakes in Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal

Remember, the best research proposal can be rejected if it’s not well written or is ill-conceived. The most common mistakes made include:

• Not providing the proper context for your research question or the problem
• Failing to reference landmark/key studies
• Losing focus of the research question or problem
• Not accurately presenting contributions by other researchers and institutions
• Incompletely developing a persuasive argument for the research that is being proposed
• Misplaced attention on minor points and/or not enough detail on major issues
• Sloppy, low-quality writing without effective logic and flow
• Incorrect or lapses in references and citations, and/or references not in proper format
• The proposal is too long – or too short

Scientific Research Proposal Example

There are countless examples that you can find for successful research proposals. In addition, you can also find examples of unsuccessful research proposals. Search for successful research proposals in your field, and even for your target journal, to get a good idea on what specifically your audience may be looking for.

While there’s no one example that will show you everything you need to know, looking at a few will give you a good idea of what you need to include in your own research proposal. Talk, also, to colleagues in your field, especially if you are a student or a new researcher. We can often learn from the mistakes of others. The more prepared and knowledgeable you are prior to writing your research proposal, the more likely you are to succeed.

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One of the top reasons scientific research proposals are rejected is due to poor logic and flow. Check out our Language Editing Services to ensure a great proposal , that’s clear and concise, and properly referenced. Check our video for more information, and get started today.

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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

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BIOL 356: Microbiology: Literature Review

• Getting Started
• Literature Review
• Key Resources
• Organizing Research
• LibKey Nomad

Books about Literature Reviews

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• Writing a Literature Review by Conrad Woxland Last Updated Mar 22, 2024 58 views this year
• Lit Review Guide--University of Pittsburgh

What is a Literature Review?

• A literature review is a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the principal research about the topic being studied.
• The review helps form the intellectual framework for the study.
• The review need not be exhaustive; the objective is not to list as many relevant books, articles, reports as possible.
• However, the review should contain the most pertinent studies and point to important past and current research and practices in the field.

Purpose of a Literature Review

A literature review serves several purposes. For example, it

• provides thorough knowledge of previous studies; introduces seminal works.
• helps focus one’s own research topic.
• identifies a conceptual framework for one’s own research questions or problems; indicates potential directions for future research.
• suggests previously unused or underused methodologies, designs, quantitative and qualitative strategies.
• identifies gaps in previous studies; identifies flawed methodologies and/or theoretical approaches; avoids replication of mistakes.
• helps the researcher avoid repetition of earlier research.
• suggests unexplored populations.
• determines whether past studies agree or disagree; identifies controversy in the literature.
• tests assumptions; may help counter preconceived ideas and remove unconscious bias.

What is "the literature"?

You'll often hear "explore the literature" or "what does the literature say?"  So, what is "the literature?"

Most simply put, "the literature" is a collection of scholarly writings on a topic. This includes:

• peer-reviewed journal articles
• conference proceedings
• dissertations

How do you know when you are done researching?

Are you seeing the same articles over and over?

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Structure for writing a scientific research proposal in biotechnology

Clinical Psychology: psychopathology by systematically examining the history, classification, causes and treatment of psychological disorders.

IMPORTANCE OF LITERATURE REVIEW WRITING IN RESEARCH ARTICLE AND DISSERTATION ON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

• The intention of writing a research proposal in biotechnology is to get approval for research work from a committee irrespective of what you are applying.
• The researcher aims to clearly describe the research in a way that a non-specialist can understand.
• The research proposal in biotechnology must not only define how the research will be carried out but also need to provide detail description about the required timeline.

Introduction:

Writing a research proposal in the present era is an entirely challenging mission because of the constant evolution in the research design and the need to incorporate innovative concepts and medical advances in the methodology section. A well-formatted research proposal in the field of biotechnology will be written according to the required guidelines forms the mainstay for the research, and hence proposal writing is an essential step in the process of conducting research . The main objective in preparing a research proposal is to obtain approval from several committees such as the ethics committee and grant committee.

Basic requirements for an effective research proposal:

The primary purpose of every proposal that needs to address how your proposed research will fit into what is already know and the proposal should add innovative addition to the present findings in biotechnology while specifying the research question to be answered, its significance and implications. For example, TB is the deadly infectious disease in the world, but unfortunately, not all drugs are adversely affecting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thus the proposing research should be innovative in finding the existing problems and identify solutions.

The research proposal must be capable of convincing the committee evaluating the proposal about the practicality, reproducibility of the proposed research in biotechnology, its achievability and credibility.

In most cases, the evaluation committee consists of the audience with different expectations and committee members from various fields such as academic professionals, policy-makers, practitioners and general audience.

In order to overcome all the challenges that come during the process of writing a quality research proposal in biotechnology, expert guidance is advisable and recommended. We have experienced professional in various fields like biotechnology , management , engineering , science and medicine , and they are ready to support in writing a full research proposal from developing innovative ideas, literature review, experimental design till budget evaluation and citation. We also provide consultations for the same and specific writing, editing , and proofreading support for your research proposal in the field of biotechnology.

See also : A Good Start For Your Research Proposal Writing

Contents of a research proposal:

In general, the research proposal format varies depending on what you are applying for, e.g. grant proposal , PhD proposal, master thesis proposal, and research position proposal. The requirements vary according to the evaluation committee and are generally provided in advance by the institution or evaluation committee.

The well-proven structure we use for writing the research proposal are:

• Aims and objectives
• Introduction
• Literature review
• Research design and methods

Title page :

Like every research document, the biotechnology research proposal will have a title page that includes.

• The title of your proposed research project (For example: “A translational recovery mechanism may provide a novel target for drug-resistant of M. tuberculosis. ”
• Name of the student
• Name of the supervisor
• The department and Institution

It is suitable for a research project, to know the specific structure for your requirements, reach out to us.

See also : Recent PhD Research Topic Ideas for Public Health

Aims and objectives :

The aim or goal and objective of the biotechnology research proposal should give a broad indication of the expected research outcome and the hypothesis to be tested can also be the aim of your study. The objective can be categorized as primary and secondary according to the parameters and tools used to achieve the goal.

Introduction :

The introduction is the initial pitch for the research proposal, and it is mandatory to explain what you want to do and why. The introduction should

• Explain the topic
• Give the background and context of the topic
• Overview of the proposed problem statement and research question

The proposal should also focus on some essential questions to guide the introduction

• Who has an interest in the topic or the target audience?
• What are the existing issues and the missing elements from the current trend?
• What new insights will your research contribute?
• Why is this research worth doing?

See also : Mastering The Art Of Writing A Cancer Biology Research Proposal

Literature review :

A literature review is the crucial part of any research work, and it helps in exploring and familiarizing much about the topic. A strong review convinces the reader and makes the audience understand the importance of the proposed research in biotechnology.

A review must demonstrate precisely how the proposed research will contribute to the technological development in biotechnology

• Compare and contrast the main theories, existing methods and controversies
• Explain the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches?
• Show how your research fits in overcoming the challenges

See also : What is a Literature review; The factors involved and its development

Research design and methods :

The objective of producing the research design and methods is to analyze how the researcher is addressing the research problem, and it is an opportunity to impress the evaluation committee by providing a well-driven research design chosen from an appropriate source. This section of the research proposal should explain the sources and methods to be incorporated in the conduct of research and discuss the specific requirements of the proposed project. In addition, the search strategy used for information gathering and analysis should be clearly explained, and it is advised to restate the main objective of the proposed project to bring back the attention as this avoids diversion. The research design and methods section should clearly describe the approach, and practical steps will be taken to address the research questions.

Research methods should state

• What tools and procedures will be used to conduct an experiment, collect and analyze data?
• Why will the chosen method be the best to answer the research questions?

Make sure not to mention a list of methods instead explain the most appropriate and reliable approach to answering the formulated research questions.

See also : Why Research Proposal Often Gets Rejected? Top 5 Reasons For Writing An Effective Research Proposal For Healthcare Dissertation

While preparing a research budget, the researcher should predict the required fund and add additional fund for unexpected delays and rising costs, and it should be justified. If the proposal is written explicitly for research funding , the researcher must categorize the budget on each part. Pubrica has experts to support in estimating the appropriate fund for any project, and we categorize each segment to determine the exact value.

Make sure to check the type of costs the funding agencies will agree to cover and include relevant items in your budget. For each category, include:

• How much money do you need?
• Why is this fund necessary to complete the research?
• How did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Materials cost
• Assistance or support staff required
• Travel costs
• Required timeline

See also : Writing a Research Grant Proposal and a Research Grant Protocol in Medical Research

Appendices:

Appendices are the support document provided for a proposal, and it will be specific for each proposal include supporting documents, questionnaires, and details of measurement tools.

Citation is the process of citing the original research paper in which the idea or methods used for composing a research proposal. And it is mandatory for any scientific research articles.

In summary, a research proposal in biotechnology should communicate the researcher’s knowledge on the project, methods and explain the need for the study. A research proposal has written for multiple reasons as mentioned, and an expert’s support will be an added advantage on any specific purpose as it gives you an edge over other participants. We provide a complete biotechnology research proposal writing service for clients who lacks background knowledge on biotechnology and specified service that you wish to hire an expert.

• K Sudheesh, Devika Rani Duggappa, and SS Nethra, How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016 Sep; 60(9): 631–634.DOI: 10.4103/0019-5049.190617
• Nte AR, Awi DD, Niger, Research proposal writing: breaking the myth. J Med. 2006 Oct-Dec; 15(4):373-81.
• Labaree RV. Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Writing a Research Proposal. Available from: http://www.libguides.usc.edu/writingguide
• Guide to ALM thesis. Available from: Thesis.extension.harvard.edu/

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Microbiology

• Key resources

Literature reviews and writing for the Journal of Virology

Guides to writing, making podcasts, writing workshops.

• The literature review - a step-by-step guide for students (2012) A step-by-step guide to conducting a literature search and literature review, using cases and examples throughout to demonstrate best practice.
• UQ study skills - writing a literature review A guide to the process of planning and writing a literature review.

For students who have to write a sample scientific paper, please refer to these instructions for authors from the Journal of Virology.

• Effective science communication: a practical guide to surviving as a scientist Sample press releases, writing for social media and popular science.
• How to write and publish a scientific paper It includes practical advice on how to publish your work in scientific journals, apply for grants, and effectively communicate your research to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• How writing works: a field guide to effective writing The book offers writing and editing advice as well as how to adapt to write for new media, in particular social media and online publications.
• Podcast production Producing professional looking audio and video podcasts
• Adobe premiere Manual from a library workshop
• Audacity Manual from a library workshop
• Adobe audition Tutorial from Adobe on how to record, edit, and mix audio for video, podcasts, and effects
• UQ Student Support Attend a workshop on study skills including peer writing support, literature reviews, exams or general study skills
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How do You Write a Project/Research Proposal for Life Science?

Writing a project/research/PhD proposal for life science, which includes biotechnology, microbiology, genetics and allied subjects, is certainly a different task. It often needs exposure to scientific writing and additional skills regarding the subject.

Students’ PhD endeavor starts by preparing the project or research proposal . It actually shows your interest, knowledge and planning for the project. An inadequately written proposal is immediately rejected by the supervisor. 

Frankly speaking, students often prepare their project proposals to impress their guide, instead of showing their knowledge and interest. In addition, some students with knowledge fail too. In either scenario, the reason is clear. 

Lack of academic writing experience.   

Additionally, when we are talking about life science like pure research subjects, things become even more complicated. One has to demonstrate their writing, research and even experimental skills in the proposal.  

Thus, it becomes important for students to understand how to write such a piece of academic write-up before doing anything else. I got my doctorate in one of the life science subjects, then moved to the academic writing field to solve our life science students’ problem of academic writing.   

If you are searching this phrase, “ How do you write a project/research proposal for life science?” on the Internet and land on this page, you are on the right article and I am perhaps the right person. 

So how can we do that? Let’s find out. 

How do you write a project/research proposal for life science?

Every research proposal has some common elements, without which it looks incomplete. Oftentimes, a supervisor checks them first. For instance, it should have a background/ introduction, review of literature, methodology, scope and bibliography sections. 

When you blankly initiate your life science project proposal writing, it looks easy, but when it gets rejected or you read things on the internet relevant, it becomes difficult. However, by avoiding common mistakes and following a usual guide, the student can write their own.   

At this point, you might be willing to do a PhD, first understand that a life science subject research or project proposal is a different venture than a grant proposal and cover letter. So make it clear that you are writing a research proposal that is the same as a PhD or project proposal. 

A life science research proposal is certainly a distinct proposal. 

• It should have a comprehensive review of the literature section which discusses all of the major points relevant to the research question. 
• The research title should be clear, and concise and must show a clear goal, objective, methods and techniques. I have discussed how to prepare a PhD title in our previous article. You can read it there. 
• It should elaboratively explain the materials and methodology section. Wet lab experimentation has been significantly involved in life science research/PhD, so beyond doubts, this section must show how the experimental work would go. 
• Also, it must demonstrate sampling, analytical and interpretation methods that help to obtain tentative results thereby achieving objectives. 
• It should show the scopes of the study and possible outcomes in terms of societal or real-world importance. 
• Lastly, Use correct citation and referencing “in-style.”

Moreover, Also keep in mind what should not be included here. Because after all, everything is covered within 10 to 12 pages (including references). 

Things to avoid: 

• Give a brief background of the topic. Avoid explaining everything here. 
• Review associated research, in brief. Keep in mind that it would justify the research question. Do not discuss separate reviews here. 
• Avoid including every possible utility that you are going to use, for example, glassware, plasticware, and instruments, etc. Discuss the SOP, route or road map using which the objectives will be achieved. 
• Discuss the method which you have selected, not the technique, in the long run you might have to change the technique. For example, 
• Avoid giving a clear statement regarding the results. Instead, enlist possible outcomes. For example, 
• Do not claim anything in the research proposal. For example, 

Research proposal template for life science: 

Research work plan: .

I have specifically highlighted the last segment because it is very important and must be included in the research plan, however, students usually avoid it or do not even have an idea about it. Surprisingly, I was not aware of it until I showed it in one of my student’s proposals. 

It is amazing, indeed, even I was impressed! It definitely proclaims your interest and preparation for doing research or PhD. It needs a comprehensive explanation to prepare that I think deserves a separate article. Here I am only giving you the template. 

Costume PhD writing services: 

If you are worried about your research proposal and still lack the concept of how to do it. Leave it to us. I and My team are experienced life science scientists who can do the job for you. Send us an email on [email protected] or [email protected] to get more information. 

We can prepare a costume proposal as per your requirements. Remember, we believe in expertise and our’s is in life science. We only accept writing work related to our subject.   

Wrapping up:  

Life science subjects need attention on so many things. Their focus would be on lab work and hence they face problems in writing such assignments. Sometimes, only bad writing becomes a reason for rejection. This comprehensive guide perhaps benefits you. Still, if you are not sure, contact us, we will help you.  

Also, take a tour of our blog, my team has written some amazing articles that certainly help you in your PhD endeavors. If you want to share your PhD experience, please mail us. We will publish your journal to motivate others.

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

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• Applying for Graduate School
• Understanding Expectations
• Developing Genre Awareness
• Establishing a Project’s Value
• Writing Scholarship and Research Proposals
• Writing Literature Reviews
• Writing Theses and Dissertations
• Understanding the Publication Cycle
• Understanding Authorship
• Writing About Data
• Explaining Research to Diverse Audiences
• Writing with Integrity
• Revising with Intent
• Staying Motivated and Productive
• Creating a Writing Toolkit
• Building Grammatical Confidence

Graduate Writing: Writing Scholarship and Research Proposals

Scholarship and grant proposals.

While some graduate students may enter their programs as partially or fully funded students, many still rely on scholarships or other forms of funding (including but not limited to loans and full- or part-time work) to pay for graduate school.

Scholarship and grant proposals are argumentative texts that aim to persuade the reader(s) to give the writer money. Requirements vary depending on the funding body–whether a special interest group or a federal funding agency–so it is important to carefully review all guidelines.

When reviewing requirements, students should also assess what is valued by the funder. For instance, one group may prioritize students who have overcome personal challenges while other groups prioritize the research potential of one’s project. Such priorities will be expressed through essay prompts and other means.

Many graduate scholarships, especially those that are high value, prioritize a candidate’s current or proposed research. Consequently, these proposals may require you to clearly position your project in relation to the work of other scholars and argue the importance of your research (CARS moves can help! See the section on Literature Reviews in this guide for more detail), provide an overview of your methodology, explain the implications of potential findings, and/or share a communications plan. You may also need to provide a detailed budget for the project.

In Canada, the most recognizable graduate scholarships are awarded through a Tri-Agency scholarship, a federal funding body. To learn more, visit the CGPS page on Tri-Council funding .  Other scholarships can be located through the USask Scholarships and bursaries site and/or EduCanada .

Pursuing graduate school and/or a second graduate degree after your USask studies? If you have a strong academic record and notable research excellence and/or community involvement, consider opportunities like the Rhodes Scholarship (for study at Oxford University), Cambridge International Scholarships and Gates-Cambridge Scholarship (for study at Cambridge University), and the McCall MacBain Scholarship (for study at McGill University).

If you pursue a career in academia or in a non-profit organization, you will continue to compete for grants and fellowships throughout your career. In some instances, these organizations will have in-house support for preparing grants and/or will invite external speakers to conduct workshops on how to write a successful application. Some graduates may themselves pursue a career dedicated to grant writing!

Interested in seeing examples of successful and unsuccessful grant applications? Explore resources like Open Grants , which feature applications from around the world.

Note : Sometimes the words scholarships, grants, and fellowships are used synonymously but can have different meanings depending on context. 

Looking for more information on writing a successful scholarship proposal?

• Dai, Q. (Host). (2021, September 8). How to write a successful CGS-D or PGS-D application [Audio podcast transcript]. In Discover BME – University of Toronto . University of Toronto. https://discover.bme.utoronto.ca/how-to-write-a-successful-cgs-pgs-application/
• Bourguignon, C. & Simoneau-Gilbert, V. (2021, August 5). Becoming Rhodes Scholars: Preparing the application. University Affairs . https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/graduate-matters/becoming-rhodes-scholars-preparing-the-application/
• Hahn-Baker, M. & Leggett, S. (2023, June 7). Telling the story of who you are through a scholarship application [McCall Macbain]. University Affairs .  https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/graduate-matters/telling-the-story-of-who-you-are-through-a-scholarship-application/
• Shen, A. (2017, August 22). 10 tips for a successful CIHR application. University Affairs. https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/career-advice-article/10-tips-successful-cihr-application/  
• Siebarth, T. (2017, July 25). Tips and myths to consider when preparing your SSHRC application. University Affairs . https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/career-advice-article/tips-myths-consider-preparing-sshrc-application/
• Surprenant, A. (2018, September 12). Optimize your chance of success with NSERC PGS-CGS Doctoral [Presentation slides]. Memorial University. https://www.mun.ca/sgs/current/funding/NSERC_PGS_CGS_D_Sept_16_2018.pdf

Looking for more information on writing a successful grant proposal?

• Butler, K. (2022, June 27). A guide to writing grant proposals. Times Higher Education .  https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/guide-writing-grant-proposals
• Husain, M. (2015). How to write a successful grant or fellowship application. Practical Neurology, 15 (6), 474–478. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/practneurol-2015-001206
• Nelson, A. (2015, March 6). Writing grant applications [Presentation slides]. GradWRITE: Graduate Writing Conference, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada . http://writing.uwo.ca/img/pdfs/Nelson,%20Writing%20a%20Grant%20Application.pdf
• Sohn, E. (2020). Secrets to writing a winning grant. Nature, 577 , 133–135. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-03914-5

Research Proposals

While most students in a PhD program or research-based MA/MSc will have already written a research statement as part of their initial application, it is also common for graduate students to write a more comprehensive research proposal in advance of carrying out their research once enrolled. These texts may also be referred to as academic proposals or thesis proposals, depending on one’s school or department.

This document allows one’s supervisor and/or committee to provide constructive feedback before a student carries out the project, to help ensure the quality of the final project. For PhD students, this document is usually prepared after comprehensive exams.

Some departments may provide general or very detailed instructions as to the content and/or length (e.g., pages or word counts) of a research proposal. For instance, the USask Department of English has a PhD Dissertation Proposal form , whereas the Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources has a template for writing a research proposal . Always consult with your supervisor to determine what is expected.

Looking for more information on writing a research proposal?

• Might, M. (n.d.) A thesis proposal is a contract. Matt Might. https://matt.might.net/articles/advice-for-phd-thesis-proposals/
• Procter, M. (n.d.). Academic proposals in graduate school. University of Toronto. https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/academic-proposals-in-graduate-school/
• Research & Learning Online. (2021). Writing a research proposal. Monash University . https://www.monash.edu/rlo/graduate-research-writing/write-the-thesis/writing-a-research-proposal
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100+ microbiology research topics to succeed.

Microbiology topics are some of the most researched ideas. This field entails the study of different microorganisms, ranging from eukaryotic fungi and single-celled organisms to cell-cluster organisms. When pursuing a microbiology course in a university or college, your educators will ask you to write academic papers on microbiology research topics.

Choosing the right microbiology topics to write about is essential because it determines the direction of your research and writing processes. Therefore, take your time to identify a topic you will be comfortable working with from the beginning to the end.

Top Microbiology Topics for Research

If looking for the top microbiology research paper topics, this list has some of the best ideas to explore. That’s because most people are searching for information related to these topics in microbiology.

• Bioterrorism- Bioweapons limit with technological developments
• Antibiotics resistance- A major limitation in medicine
• Extraterrestrial life- Existing life evidence in space
• Gene therapy- Gene therapy as a controversial biology topic
• Cloning- Latest developments in cloning research
• Antibacterial products-Latest discoveries explaining the possibility of antibacterial products effects on the immune system
• What is the future of microbiology research, both theoretically and technologically?
• Epidemics- Current disease control protocols and possible solutions
• Vaccines- Recent research about the effectiveness of vaccines like flue
• Food preservation methods- How technology enhances safe food preservation and consumption

These are brilliant microbiology project topics. However, you need time and effort to research any of these topics and come up with an awesome paper.

Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology

Maybe you want to research and write about current topics in microbiology and immunology. That means you’re looking for topics that will enable you to explore recent information in this area. In that case, consider these microbiology topics in the news.

• Virus-like particle vaccines for protozoan parasites and respiratory viruses
• Quorum sensing and campylobacter biofilm formation in molecular mechanisms
• Campylobacter horizontal gene and natural competence transfer
• Murine investigation models for innate immune response and colonization resistance in campylobacter jejuni infections
• iBALT role in respiratory immunity
• Antiviral immunity for pyroptosis
• Damage to the sensing tissue by Myeloid c-Type Lectin receptors
• How antifungal drugs modify the cell wall
• Host cell’s death pathways manipulation by the Herpes Simplex virus
• Type II Secretion system structures in needle filaments
• RIP Kinase signaling outcomes during neuro-invasive infection by virus
• Innate immune system pathological and physiological functions of CARD 9 signaling
• The genetics of the Lassa virus
• Genital immunity’s memory lymphocyte- Tissue-resident memory T cells’ role
• Delivery and formulation technologies for the mRNA vaccines
• Peptide and protein nanocluster vaccines
• Reovirus’ cell killing- Consequences and mechanisms
• Leptospirosis reference lab’s role
• Hypoxia-inducible and hypoxia factors in stem cell maintenance among cancer patients
• Development of dengue vaccine

Pick any of these new research topics in microbiology if your goal is to work on recent information. Nevertheless, take your time reading recent literature in this field to come up with an awesome paper.

Interesting Topics in Microbiology

Perhaps, you’re looking for microbiology projects topics that most people will find interesting to read about. In that case, consider these interesting microbiology topics.

• Techniques and methodologies for future research about the virus
• Redox-active metabolite’s roles in microbial signaling
• The role and emergence of yeast as a baking industry’s preservative
• Host-pathogenic interactions study with a focus on redox and cellular metals
• Yeast non-conventional use in the wine-making industry
• Microbiota- What is the bifidobacterila’s role in the human gut?
• Virus role in vaccines development and improvement in third world countries
• Heath- Microbiology role in addressing antibiotic resistance
• Human microbial ecosystems study- Microbe interactions
• Impact and role of viruses in large animals’ health
• How bacteria in complex organisms respond to stress
• Cell to cell interaction and social behavior in bacteria interactions
• Norovirus cross-contamination investigation during service procedures in the food industry in fresh produce preparation
• Transfer rate determination in Salmonella sp. From nut butter to food materials
• Listeria monacytogenes comparative genomic analysis for survival within a food processing situation
• Thermal resistance and survival of desiccated Salmonella in dry and moist food processing environments
• Effective cleaning products for removing food matrix with B. Thuringiensis spores and B. Cereus
• Analysis of cleaning procedures’ effects on Bacillus spores
• How temperature affects viruses survival in vegetables and fruits
• How temperature and time combine to stimulate C. botulinum spores to germinate or produce a toxin

This category has some of the most interesting and easy microbiology research topics. However, take your time to research the topic you choose to write a paper that will impress your educator to award you the top grade.

Medical Microbiology Research Topics

Maybe you want to explore microbiology and human health topics. In that case, consider these medical-related microbiology paper topics.

• Probiotics- A study of their preparation
• How to prevent sickle cell anemia
• The growth of mold
• How fertilizes, polythene and manure affect the hypocotyl’s elongation rate
• How cinnamon and curry inhibit the growth of bacteria
• How oil spills affect microorganisms in the oceans
• Reproducing yeast in sugar substitutes
• Why vitamin c affects the rotting rate for fruits
• Effective toothbrush disinfecting methods
• Describe the spread of Ebola

Consider any of these microbiology research topics research paper if interested in something to do with medicine. However, take your time to identify good and authentic information sources before you start writing your paper. That’s because your educator will be interested in unique and relevant content.

Microbiology Research Topics for Undergraduates

Are you pursuing undergraduate studies in microbiology? If yes, you will find these microbiology research topics for college students interesting.

• Using polymerase chain reaction to diagnose infectious diseases
• Preliminary antimicrobial and phytochemical screening of coat and seed of citrus sinensis
• Microbiology effect on mining
• Human skin colonization by bacteria
• Sweet orange’s antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus isolated from wound infection
• The susceptibility pattern of bacteria to antibiotics
• Bush pear analysis and the oil project
• Spoilt avocado microbial examination- What it reveals
• Characterization and isolation of microorganisms from a stored pap
• CryoEM use in understanding pathogen resistance and transport
• Additive manufacture of skin-facing antimicrobial devices for surgery
• Oral bacteria’s role in cardiovascular disease
• Nutrient-mediated ‘Dual warhead’ antimicrobials’ delivery
• Induction mechanisms of the protective lung tissue memory cells in influenza
• The activity of eukaryotic, elucidating topoisomerase in homologous recombination
• Oral bacteria involvement in chronic periodontitis- Metabolomics investigation
• Effect of metal nanoparticles on the multi-species biofilm consortia- A metabolomics investigation
• How vaping or smoking affects the risk of CoV-2, SARS, and COVID-19 outcomes
• Soil contaminants risks on below and above ground eco-systems in urban areas
• Protective microbes- How to rebuild microbiota when treating AMR infection

This category also has some of the best microbiology topics for presentation. However, get ready to research any of these topics to write an impressive paper.

Hot Topics in Microbiology

Perhaps, you’re looking for the most interesting microbiology essay topics to research and write about. In that case, consider some of the ideas in this category.

• Shea butter’s microbiological analysis
• Research of tapeworms and their dangers
• Influenza spread in the world and its impact on the war
• Restriction-modification cellular microbiology
• Applied microbiology- Biofuels generation using microorganisms
• Microscope invention and its effect on microbiology knowledge
• Microbiology role in food industries and pharmaceutical
• How microbiology has helped in preventing life-threatening illnesses
• Bacterial polymer- A study of cyanophycin
• A study of the functionalities and properties of wetland bacteria
• Microbiological study of a commercial preparation of yogurts
• A study of bacteria that withstand antibiotics
• Human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis- How it’s done
• A study of plasmodium species correlation
• A study of onions’ microorganisms
• An investigation of starch fermentation, specificities, and activities of its enzymes
• Listeria growth and survival in freshly cut vegetables
• Low moisture food inoculation protocols
• Survival and growth of Salmonella during partially sprouted products processing and chia powders
• Environmental organisms’ risk assessment and the importance of better control and knowledge

This category also has some of the best food microbiology topics. Nevertheless, students should be ready to spend time and effort researching any of these ideas before writing. That’s because educators expect them to present fresh and relevant information in their papers.

Learners have many topics or ideas to consider when researching and writing academic papers. However, every student should look for an interesting topic they are comfortable researching and writing about. That’s because writing a research paper or essay takes time. Choosing a boring topic means a learner will spend their time working on something they’re not interested in. And this can reflect on the quality of their paper. Thus, their grade will suffer.

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Microbiology Research Proposal

2021, Assessment of Microbial Contamination on a used and disposed facemask.

Micro-organisms are ubiquitous and are found in almost every area around human bodies. Some are specifically found in certain regions of the body as a normal flora where they live as commensals with man. This association is important in protecting the body against other infectious diseases. Each area of the body surface acquires a characteristic flora of organisms well adapted to growth at that particular environment. These residents (normal flora) tend to suppress the intruders either by competition for space and food supply or by production of metabolites that are antagonistic to the survival of the intruder. These residents could be dislodged from their environment when sneezing, coughing, belching, yawning or could be destroyed by regular use of antiseptic soaps or creams on the body surfaces. Facemasks commonly used to prevent infectious diseases from airborne pathogens, therefore constitute an abode for bacteria. Furthermore, bacteria found in Facemasks could differ from one individual to another as the bacteria found could be a reflective of the environment and pathological conditions of the individual using the facemask.For instance, individual with upper respiratory tract infection are likely to dislodge strains of pathogenic microbes along sides with the normal flora in these regions. Enumeration of bacteria on used facemasks can be done using microscopic cell count and viable cell counting. Microscopic counts can be done on either samples dried on slides or samples in liquid. A viable cell counting is the one that is able to divide and form offspring. Viable cell counting is also called plate count and there are at least two ways of performing plate count: the spread plate and pour plate method. In spread plate method, a volume of appropriately diluted culture is spread over the surface of an agar plate using a sterile glass spreader. The plate is then incubated until colonies appear, and the number of colonies formed are counted.

Related Papers

manoj vasaikar

Linda Iipinge

Lim Cheng Yee

Abdul Mohd Saufian

Microorganisms exist in a large and mixed population and therefore isolation of microorganisms to pure cultures will be the initial step in the study of the characteristics and potential of microorganisms. In nature, microbial populations do not segregate themselves by species but exist with a mixture of many other cell types. In the laboratory, these populations can be separated into pure cultures. These cultures contain only one type of organism and are suitable for the study of their cultural, morphological, and biochemical properties. In this experiment, you will first use one of the techniques designed to produce discrete colonies. Colonies are individual, macroscopically visible masses of microbial growth on a solid medium surface, each representing the multiplication of a single organism. Once you have obtained these discrete colonies, you will make an aseptic transfer onto nutrient agar slants for the isolation of pure cultures. Streak Plate : Isolation of Discrete Colonies from a Mixed Culture PRINCIPLE: The techniques commonly used for isolation of discrete colonies initially require that the number of organisms in the inoculum be reduced. The resulting diminution of the population size ensures that, following inoculation, individual cells will be sufficiently far apart on the surface of the agar medium to effect a separation of the different species present. The following are techniques that can be used to accomplish this necessary dilution: 1. The streak-plate method is a rapid qualitative isolation method. It is essentially a dilution technique that involves spreading a loopful of culture over the surface of an agar plate.

Elisa Lapadula

Lola Hogekamp

Alemayehu Choramo

In this practical laboratory works, three points were focused. These are: Anti-microbial susceptibility test, colony counting, and motility test. Each points discussed in detail as follows. Anti-microbial susceptibility test performed by using disc diffusion method to determine susceptibility of salmonella .In this test, kanamycin formed 24.26 mm ,ciprofloxacin formed 34.23 mm, and chloramphenicol formed 28.46 mmzone of inhibition, while sulphonamides formed no zone of inhibition. Colony counting was done by plate count method. Two medias were used. On VRB (violet red blue agar) media, with dilution of 10-2 was CFU/ml=3.5*103, with dilution of 10-3, CFU/ml=4.1*104 and with dilution of 10-4, CFU=1.5*105. But in this case also it is reported as "TFTC= too few to count". While on PCA (plate count agar) media, with dilution of 10-3 colony counted was 100, and CFU/ml=1.00*105,with dilution of 10-4 colony counted was 171, and CFU/ml=1.71*106 , with dilution of 10-5colony counted was 58, and CFU/ ml=5.8*106,with dilution of 10-6colony counted was 19, and CFU/ml=1.9*107,but in this case it is reported as "TFTC= to few to count". On the other hand, motility test was done in SIM (sulphure-indole-motility) and results obtained were: Staphylococcus aureus was non-motile; grow only on the line of stab, Escherichia. Coli spp. were motile, grow and move throughout the medium and Salmonella was both motile and produced gas.

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How to write a research proposal that stands out

Stand out from the competition

Take the next steps towards your PhD

Writing your research proposal

When you apply for a research degree at the University of Portsmouth, you may have to submit a research proposal that outlines, among many other things, the nature of your research, and why it's important. 

To help make yours as compelling as possible, read our helpful hints for creating a clear, concise and engaging research proposal.

Prospective supervisors will not be expecting you to have all the answers at this stage; if accepted onto a research degree, your ideas will develop throughout the course of your studies.

What should a research proposal contain?

Title and abstract.

• Your title should be clear and easy-to-understand.
• The abstract is a concise and engaging summary of your research question and approach (around 300 words). It should be written as a standalone piece so that any prospective supervisor can understand what you plan to do, and why, from the abstract alone.

Introduction, background and rationale

• This section should provide a background to your research - what you want to investigate and why the research is important/needed.

Research aims, questions or hypothesis

• You should clearly communicate the research question(s) you would seek to answer in your intended research proposal. Depending on your chosen subject area you may also wish to specify some aims, objectives and hypotheses. If you are not sure whether this is necessary, discuss this with your potential supervisor.

Literature review

• In this section you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the key literature that relates to your research question(s), and outline your critical understanding of what previous research has found. You may also have identified any gaps in the current knowledge related to your area of research, and you can highlight these here.

Methodology

• A rationale and description of the approach you would intend to take to answer your research question(s). You should discuss the general approach you would take to answering your research question(s) e.g. in a Social Science PhD, whether you’d take a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approach, as well as considering the more specific issues e.g. would you use interviews or focus groups.
• Clearly outline any separate studies you expect to conduct and how they link or relate to each other. As a rule of thumb, most Science, Social Science and Engineering PhDs research proposals would be expected to contain 3-4 separate studies, each approximately equivalent to a Masters thesis project in size.
• What ethical considerations do you anticipate within your research, and how might you approach these?

Dissemination and impact

• Sharing the findings of your research is a fundamental part of being a researcher, and prospective supervisors will be interested to know how you anticipate disseminating your research findings.
• A research degree can take between 3-6 years to complete, so a timeline of the key stages of your research should be included.

Referencing

• Don't forget to include your references  

How long should my research proposal be? 

Most proposals are between 1,500-4,000 words, but the exact length will vary depending on which research area you're applying to join. 

Your potential supervisor can let you know any specific requirements for the area you’re applying to.

You are strongly encouraged to work with your potential supervisor to refine your proposal before you make a formal application. This way, you can make sure the project is a good fit with their interests and expertise.

Do your homework - make sure your problem hasn't already been solved.

Engage the reader - you don't want the reader to switch off!

Be realistic - especially about timescales and accessing data

Take your time - it's important not to rush writing your research proposal 

Seek feedback - it's always a good idea to get others to read your research proposal

Prepare to be flexible, your project can evolve or change

Important do’s and don’ts

• Write your research proposal in your own words.
• Acknowledge any sources you used for information or ideas presented in your research proposal.
• Make sure the research proposal you are about to submit looks fantastic - f irst impressions count!

Don’t: 

• Copy and paste text directly from sources such as journal articles without acknowledging them in the text. Some universities use plagiarism checking software on the research proposals submitted to them.
• Use AI or similar tools to produce your finished proposal.

My PhD supervisor supported my career ambitions and has been crucial in getting me where I am today.

Robert Lawerence, PhD Molecular Microbiology

Postgraduate Research Proposal Guide

Learn more about research proposals and the process involved in creating the perfect application. 

Follow our step by step guide

Contact Postgraduate Admissions

Speak to one of our friendly team and ask us anything about your postgraduate study options.

Get in touch

Limited Submission Opportunity: 2024 Keck Foundation Research Program

URL: https://www.wmkeck.org/research-overview/

OBJECTIVES:

The W. M. Keck Research Program seeks to benefit humanity by supporting Medical Research and Science & Engineering projects that are distinctive and novel in their approach, question the prevailing paradigm, or have the potential to break open new territory in their field. Abstracts from recent successful proposals can be found at: https://www.wmkeck.org/our-focus-research/#focus-abstracts-research .

Past grants have supported pioneering biological and physical science research and engineering, including the development of promising new technologies, instrumentation and methodologies.

FUNDING INFORMATION:

Requests can be $1 to 1.5 million over 3 years, but larger grants will require stronger justification from applicants.

ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS:

Research universities, medical colleges and major private independent scientific and medical research institutes are eligible to apply to the Research Program. Any eligible institutions may submit one Phase I application per grant cycle to each of the applicable grant areas: Medical Research, and Science & Engineering Research.

Funding is awarded to universities and institutions nationwide for projects that:

• Focus on important and emerging areas of research;
• Have the potential to develop breakthrough technologies, instrumentation or methodologies;
• Are innovative, distinctive, and interdisciplinary;
• Demonstrate a high level of risk due to unconventional approaches, or by challenging the prevailing paradigm;
• Have the potential for transformative impact, such as the founding of a new field of research, the enabling of observations not previously possible, or the altered perception of a previously intractable problem;
• Fall outside the mission of public funding agencies;
• Have been recently denied funding by a federal funding agency expressly because the project was judged too high risk or early stage. The foundation prefers to see the rejection in writing.

Keck does not fund clinical or translational research, treatment trials or research for the sole purpose of drug development; They also do not fund disease-specific research , environmental conservation or monitoring, purely theoretical projects, follow-on funding, device development, or Public Health.

INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS:

A faculty committee drawn from both campuses will review internal proposals and select nominees.

Keck requests one university liaison; therefore, please do not contact the Foundation directly. For any questions, please contact Joe Loftus, Director of Foundation Relations at [email protected] .

Interested candidates should submit the following materials through InfoReady Review by Wednesday ,  May 15, 2024 :

• Questions outlined in InfoReady Review application (one paragraph each);
• Up-to-date CV;
• An overview of the proposed project emphasizing any unique aspects and pilot studies (indicate area of emphasis for project) and background to put the research into perspective
• A description of the methodologies – please be specific about how the project will be conducted and how the PI will achieve their goals. Focus on the What and the How . For example, highlight project challenges and innovative ways the PI will overcome them.
• Key personnel
• Impact – how will this project be a scientific leap forward ? How is this project transformational? What makes this project distinctive?
• Brief justification of the need for Keck support (demonstrate a federal rejection of the project on the grounds that it is too high risk or early stage and that Keck is the funder of last resort)
• Funding amount request along with breakdown – personnel, supplies, etc.

For more information on drafting a compelling application, refer also to the foundation’s guidelines: https://www.wmkeck.org/research-application-process/#concept and https://www.wmkeck.org/research-overview/ . BU’s Proposal Library contains sample materials from a previous successful application, https://bushare.sharepoint.com/sites/Proposal-Library .

*Please avoid illustrations.

Internal Materials Due: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Sponsor’s Phase I Application Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024 4:30 pm PT

View all posts

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