The course was organized by IRSAE (the International Research School in Applied Ecology), led by the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology at the University of Inland Norway (INN).
The contributors Brian Cusack (Science Craft SA) and Babette Regierer (SB Science Management SA) came from Germany and have extensive experience in writing and reviewing grant applications, including as reviewers for the EU programs like Horizon Europe.
The goal is to learn how to write good and convincing research applications that can to increase the chances of receiving support from national and international funding sources, such as the Norwegian Research Council and or the EU.
Participants went through the different parts of a research application: excellencefrom introduction, state-of-the-art and research concept ,to impact and implementation. There were Via discussions and practice practical exercises, the participants learned on how to design and communicate a research project in an application, as well as hands-on exercises and training to reviewers and the funding agency.
The participants submitted a "mini-applicationproposal" two weeks before the course . In and described here in max. 2 pages they described their own research idea and project concept. This mini-application proposal was part of the used as learning training material used in during the course.
The course consisted of lectures, preparation and rewriting of the proposal before, during and after the course. After the courseFollowing the workshop that was taking place on 25 and 26 September in Evenstad, students have one-on-one meetings the participants will received individual feedback from the trainers with the professors on their mini-proposals to discuss the final version of the proposaland discuss potential strategies for next career steps.
Both participants and lecturers continued discussions at lunch and in the evening about funding sources and tips for finding the right calls, structuring the application and writing tips.
The students expressed that they were satisfied with the organization of this course, and that it was a good experience, getting to know other students and contributors from other different institutions, as well as exchanging experiences with common challenges.
We truly hope that we have strengthened the scientific research journey of these students.