Once upon a time, we kidnapped a group of researchers and took them deep into the woods. And they loved it.
In a fast-paced research environment, it can be hard to find the time to craft a grant proposal. For researchers, the funding application process is often demanding and can feel like an isolating experience.
In this presentation, we introduce our ‘Proposal Bootcamp’ approach, where researchers seeking to apply for project funding are whisked away from their daily tasks to focus on developing competitive proposals. Since 2024, our annual Bootcamps have had a focus on ERC grants, but the approach can easily be applied to proposals aimed at other funding mechanisms.
Over the course of three days, the researchers are subjected to a host of gruelling bootcamp conditions, including pep talks from successful ERC grantees, intense writing sessions, one-on-one coaching, campfire discussions and outdoor running (muddy obstacle courses: optional).
During this session, we’ll present the Proposal Bootcamp method, including the idea behind it, the goals of the bootcamp, and the outcomes and success rates for hopeful applicants at our research institute. We share researcher testimonials, lessons learned, and practical tips for how to put the method to use.
We hope to inspire other RMAs to try out new ways of motivating their researchers to dream up, hone and submit cutting-edge project proposals.
Georgina Berry (Senior Proposal Advisor) and Anne Duquenne (Senior EU Advisor) are RMAs at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), an international and multidisciplinary institute working across the social sciences. When we’re not kidnapping researchers, we are supporting them in pre-award and post-award project management.
