2.2 Building blocks
Having a good idea is step one, but you then need to consider attaining the necessary funding. We will cover this in more detail in the next topic, but one of the fundamental points to make here is the importance of an established track record. For example, 40% of the selection criteria weighting for ARC Discovery Projects applications centres on the track record and capacity of the Investigator. While the weighting will vary, the principle remains. As mentioned in Topic 1 in relation to institutional funding, success creates success.
Developing a research career is a long-term venture and will not happen overnight, and the vast majority of researchers will need to build up their profile over time. One way to approach this is through a 'building blocks' strategy – starting with smaller-scale projects in areas about which you may not have originally thought. You could apply for Category 2 or 3 grants, for which there are a myriad of funding sources. These may be small projects that you are able to complete in a relatively short time-span, but can demonstrate your ability to deliver or to perform. You can do this at the same time as you are continuing to deliver conference papers and publishing articles. This will be a part of your planned longer-term strategy of winning larger grants, particularly Category 1 grants such as those from the ARC, NHMRC, etc. Even here, it will normally be a building block approach, starting with smaller projects and grants that offer a strong basis to then move to bigger bids for funding.
The Research Office of your university will have a list of all funding opportunities available, along with the relevant deadlines. You should locate this list and study it routinely, and evaluate your likely success. Another possible building block strategy can be to produce international publications with an overseas partner investigator. This is a way of utilising networks that may give you access to a larger block of international funding opportunities.
In scoping your research proposal, you also need to realistically consider whether or not you can seriously compete against other researchers in the field. This is all about viability, not competency (although you must be competent as well). Are you taking on a global player in the field – for example, Bayer AG, a global chemical and pharmaceutical conglomerate with research interests in healthcare, crop science, etc.? Certainly some brilliant ideas have come from a single researcher or a small team working alone, but there are obviously significant benefits to attaining a critical mass which can give a competitive edge, such as access to resources. See the next topic on ‘Grant Seeking’ for more on this.
|
Modules