How can a returning applicant position themselves for success? These points are relevant to any funding agency or program, not just NSERC or the NSERC Discovery program.

1. FOLLOW THE RULES – take the time to refresh yourself on the funding agencies needs, wants and application rules, because the game may have changed since your previous application. This is especially important for budget items – what was allowable 5 years ago might be verboten today.

2. TAKE OWNERSHIP & DO YOUR HOMEWORK – if you are getting several people to write pieces of the grant, make sure that the final product is cohesive and accurately fact checked.

3. GET THE LITTLE STUFF OUT OF THE WAY EARLY – update your CV and prepare your supporting manuscript packages when you submit your LOI (letter of intent). This will reduce your stress at the submission deadline.

4. CONSIDER STRETCHING YOUR BOUNDARIES – some committees want to see more of the same and others want to see researchers push the boundaries. Do you see your program of research making incremental steps or giant leaps forward? Position yourself competitively – do your research on what the committee has funded in previous years.

5. AVOID EGO CREEP – “I have an impressive track record; therefore anything that I want to do is brilliant and does not require description or explanation.” Don’t take anything for granted. This is related to points 1 and 2 – just because you have a substantial research resume does not mean that you can skip certain steps in the application process or do not need to explain your research rationale thoroughly.

Agree, disagree? Post your comments below.