Locating Research Funding and Assembling an Application

1. Locating Research Funding and Assembling an Application Meg Brooks SwiftLauren Valente seohcrp@fas.harvard.edu

2. Harvard Funding Databases International Funding Database: www.funding.fas.harvard.edu/search.cgi Science Funding Database: www.funding.fas.harvard.edu/science/search.cgi Committee on General Scholarships: www.scholarships.harvard.edu/ Harvard FAS Prize Office: www.fas.harvard.edu/~secfas/PrizeOfficeHome.htm

3. Funding Sources vs Funded Programs Understand Requirements/Expectations of a Funding Source: Some expect you to work for a particular internship/program (PRISE, Weissman, HIGH) Others provide funding to support an independent project with the budget you develop (HCRP, Various International Centers and Departments) Identify whether your project is part of an organized program or a personal undertaking

4. SEO Funding: term and summer Faculty Aide Program: Serving as research assistant for faculty member, earn maximum of $3,000 Harvard College Research Program: Independent, autonomous student research Working in close collaboration with faculty mentor Will support wage stipend or expenses, but not both; May not receive a wage stipend if getting course credit

5. Budget Expenses Related to Economics Data sets Subject payments Interview transcriptions Training to conduct data analysis Human/animal subjects approval (IRB Clearance) (www.fas.harvard.edu/~research/approvals/)

6. Identifying Faculty Mentor/Advisor One with knowledge of your topic One who can help identify data sets One who can provide guidance around data analysis One who can suggest additional funding sources One who can speak to your strengths in a letter of recommendation to funding sources

7. Components of an Application Proposal Budget Transcript Letter(s) of recommendation Resume, curriculum vitae, list of activities For many Harvard programs, you can apply using CARAT: https://asperin.fas.harvard.edu/carat/home.do

8. Writing a Proposal Clarity: clarify purpose, identify strengths, be succinct, don’t confuse length with quality Feasibility: demonstrate preparedness, knowledge of topic, relation to past achievements, nature of contacts, connection to goals of fellowship Sincerity and Authenticity: who are you, what makes you tick, why you are special, why is this project important, what is the connection to your future goals Know the Audience: write for an educated person, NOT a specialist

9. Research Proposal Describe the question and contextualize the central issue (background research helpful) Connection to your academic goals Personal qualifications and accomplishments (incorporate relevant experience from resume) Methodology Connection/relationship with faculty mentor Feasibility Resources required

10. General Thoughts on Proposal Writing Don’t be overly technical – think of readers as those who read the Science section in the NYT not JAMA Write with persuasion, energy, and enthusiasm Methodology should be well explained Reader should see the connection between applicant and the proposal – why does it matter? It is the single most important part of the application and the only part over which you have control

11. Budgets:3 Important Questions to Answer What are the legitimate expenses required for you to complete your project? What assets do you have to commit to the project? Subtracting assets from expenses, what do you need to support the project?

12. Tips on Developing a Budget Be consistent – make sure the budget matches everything in the proposal Be conservative – economize when you can, while being reasonable Be careful – think safety above all else Use common sense and research to arrive at specific line items; Gather quotes and estimates from recognized sources