AIC PROPOSAL WRITING DR ISMA .pdf

Dr Isma Liza Mohd Isa
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, UKM
SCIENTIFIC WRITING:
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Anatomy Intensive Course 4.0 2022

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
01
HOW TO WRITE A GOOD RESEARCH PROPOSAL
04
PURPOSE OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL
02
ACADEMIC - SECRETS OF WINNING A
RESEARCH GRANT
06
STRUCTURE OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL
03
UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH GRANT
05

INTRODUCTION
A research proposal is a document that describes a proposed research project -
what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your
research
A research proposal is a blueprint of your research project - drawing out a
strategy for your research plan that will help you stay organised and give you
confidence in the direction you decide to go in your research
A good proposal should highlight the basic science that addresses big,
conceptual questions
A research proposal's length might vary - for a bachelor's or master's might be as
short as a few pages; however proposals for PhD or research grants are often
considerably longer and more elaborate.

PURPOSE OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Academician - write research proposals to get funding for the projects
Student - write a research proposal prior to starting your research: thesis or
dissertation as part of an undergrad or post-grad study (Master/DPhil/PhD)
To help you see the scope of research - how your study can unfold
To convince a funding agency, academic institution, or supervisor that
your idea is valuable

Show your proposal is unique,
original, and importance
1
RELEVANCE
2
CONTEXT
3
APPROACH
4
ACHIEVABILITY
Show your confidence and
expertise in your field
Demonstrate that you are familiar
with the current status of research
on your issue
Justify your chosen technique
Show that you have carefully
considered the data, tools, and
methods required to complete your
study
Confirm that your project is
feasible to be completed within the
programme or funding deadline
RESEARCH PROPOSAL AIMS

A structured proposal with a good formatting style - must follow the
grant/institution guidelines
A clear language (English/Malay) instead of multisyllabic jargon
A list of keywords is crucial
Scientifically technical details are necessary, followed by a complex
sentence with conclusions
Should highlight the basic science that addresses big, conceptual
questions
WRITING A GOOD RESEARCH PROPOSAL

STRUCTURE OF A
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The format of a research proposal varies
by subject, however most proposals will
include at least the following elements:
Title
Keywords
Abstract (executive summary)
Research description
(Problem statement, Research
Questions, Hypotheses,
Objectives)
Literature review
Methodology
Implications and Contribution to
knowledge
References
Research schedule
(Research activities, Deliverables,
Milestones - Gantt Chart)
Expected Results
Patent search
Facility support
Budget
Risk Assessment

STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
TITLE
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
(EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY)
PROBLEM
STATEMENT
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
HYPOTHESIS
REFERENCES
RELEVANT TO
GOVERNMENT
POLICY
METHODS
(RESEARCH
PLANS)
LITERATURE
REVIEW
OBJECTIVES
RESEARCH
ACTIVITIES
EXPECTED
RESULTS
FACILITIES
BUDGET
RISK
ASSESSMENTS
MILESTONES
PATENT
SEARCH

Title
Title is the first part of research proposal - usually read the first initial impression of research
Definition - summarises the main idea or ideas of the study - headline of your research
Aim - Catch the reader’s attention and interest in the problem being investigated (the content of proposal)
Drafted after the full proposal is ready
Title reflects the main objective/purpose of the research
Typically 10–12 words long
Effective title - Need to be concise, has important keywords,
use descriptive terms and phrases that accurately
highlight the core content of proposal

TYPES OF RESEARCH TITLE

SETTING POPULATION INTERVENTION CONDITION END-POINT DESIGN
Refers to the situation in
which the research takes
place (community-based,
home-based, school-based,
hospital-based, or
laboratory-based)
Example "Effect of PEP flute self-
care versus usual care in early
covid-19: non-drug, open-label,
randomised controlled trial in a
Danish community setting (BMJ,
2022)”
The population is the
target (subject) of the
research work and
needs to be explicitly
stated (age and/or sex,
where necessary)
Example “Effect of dietary
sources of calcium and
protein on hip fractures and
falls in older adults in
residential care: cluster
randomised controlled trial
(BMJ, 2021)”
Intervention (or Observation)
It could be therapeutic or
preventive
Should be able to clarify the study
design and the type of intervention
Example “Nivolumab plus chemotherapy
or ipilimumab in gastro-oesophageal
cancer (Nature, 2022)”
Sometimes, research may only be
observational with no intervention.
Example “Body-mass index and risk of
obesity-related complex multimorbidity:
an observational multicohort study
(Lancet, 2022)”
Refers to the clinical
condition of the
subjects.
Example “Prone positioning
of patients with moderate
hypoxaemia due to covid-
19: multicentre pragmatic
randomised trial (COVID-
PRONE) (BMJ, 2022)”
Include the
outcomes/findings of
the study - use a
declarative title
Example “Proteasome
inhibitors decrease the
viability of pulmonary arterial
smooth muscle cells by
restoring mitofusin-2
expression under hypoxic
conditions (Biomedicine,
2022)”
Study design can be
placed (using a colon)
after the primary
content of the title
Example “Primary
trabeculectomy for advanced
glaucoma: pragmatic
multicentre randomised
controlled trial (TAGS) (BMJ,
2021)”
INGREDIENT OF A GOOD RESEARCH TITLE
An effective and balanced title needs to be “SPICED”: Setting, Population, Intervention, Condition, End-point, Design

Keywords
Be specific to your field or sub-field of proposal
Can also include both generic terms
Identify words or phrases that summarise your research as a whole
Identify most frequent terms used in the proposal - generate a wordcloud https://monkeylearn.com/word-cloud/
(phrases) or TagCrowd (single word)
Extract keyword from abstract
Contain words and phrases that represent the content of your proposal
Tips for choosing keywords:

Abstract
Descriptive abstract - usually used in the social sciences and humanities, does not give specific
information about methods and results
Informative abstract - are commonly used in the sciences and present information on the background,
aim, methods, expected results, conclusions, implication
Structured abstract - informative abstracts divided into a series of headings (Objective, Methods, Results,
Conclusion) and typically found in medical literature and clinical trial report
Or executive summary - a summary of the content of the proposal
A time-saving shortcut for reviewer/panel to read your proposal
As a guide to the most important parts of your proposal's written content
Types of abstract:
1.
2.
3.

Abstract
Introduction
Problem statement
Aim/objectives
Methodology
Expected findings/outcomes/implication
Significance of output from the research project
Content of the abstract
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Abstract
Write in active voice, but can use passive voice when needed
Never use present or future tense for a research proposal
Sentences are concise and complete - Refrain from using ambiguous words, and keep the language
simple
Abstract length should not be more than 300 words
Write the abstract last because it’s a summary of the whole proposal
Review (read) your abstract to ensure the summary of the study = you’ve written in your proposal
Avoid giving a long introduction
No citations
An abstract shouldn’t include a table, figure, image, or any kind of illustration
Tips for writing an abstract:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Problem statement
It is an explanation in research that summarises the current information and where
a lack of knowledge may be presenting a problem that needs to be investigated
Your problem statement is a proposed solution to address one of these lacking
knowledge (unmet medical needs)
Aim - to transform a generalized problem into a targeted, well-defined problem that
can be resolved through focused research and careful decision-making

Problem statement
Context - background of research, Describes the desired goal or ideal situation; explains how things should be. It
also includes any past attempts and shortcomings at solving the problem
Significance (consequence) - describes a condition that prevents the goal or ideal situation from being achieved,
explains the drawback of the current situation & negative impacts on the society (include who will be the most
affected)
Solutions - describe the aim and objectives of your research, and your solution to overcome the problem. Finally, it
need not focus on the perfect solution but rather on addressing a realistic goal to move closer to the ideal scenario.
Format of writing a persuasive problem statement:
1.
2.
3.

Problem statement
Be brief and concise - need not be long and elaborate (one page is more than enough)
should not include the findings of the research or detailed data
Schematics would help to explain the problem statement
Tips for writing problem statement:
1.
2.
3.

Research questions
A research question is the question around which you centre your
research (an issue that arises out of a perceived knowledge deficit) -
Aim – to address an issue or a problem in the study pinpoint exactly
what you want to find out, and gives your work a clear focus and
purpose.
It is dynamic – can change or refine the research question as you gain
knowledge about the subject of interest, through systematically
literature search, in-depth interviews, focus group discussion
Should be stated at the end of the introduction of the research
proposal
Research questions form hypotheses and objectives of the research

Research questions
Frame the research question by narrowing down a broad
topic of interest into a specific area of study - what, when,
why, where etc
Be clear, focused, concise, and arguable: its potential
answers are open to debate rather than accepted facts
Research questions are open-ended and invite debate and
discussion
Tips for writing research questions:

Research questions
Types of research questions:

Research questions
To describe responses to the independent, mediating, or dependent
variables
Quantify the variables that you are interested in
Questions that start with words - "How much?", "How often?", "What
percentage?", "What proportion?”, What is/are?”

Research questions
To compare differences between two or more groups on an
independent variable - see its impact on a dependent variable
Questions that start with words "What is the difference in?"
These questions can be causal - compare a group where a certain
variable is involved and another group where that variable is not
present

Research questions
To correlate causal relationships, associations, trends and/or
interactions between two or more variables on one or more groups
Include both dependent and independent variables
Use words such as “relationship”, “association” or “trends”

Hypotheses
Statement that can be tested by scientific research - based on existing theories
A hypothesis includes a prediction based on the proposed research
It is a tentative answer to your research question that has not yet been tested.
Effective hypothesis in research is clearly and concisely written
For some research projects, you might have to write several hypotheses that address different aspects of
research question
Independent variable is something the researcher changes or controls
Dependent variable is something the researcher observes and measure
and knowledge. It also has to be testable, which can support it through scientific
research methods
Is designed to forecast the relationship of and between two (or more) variables:
1.
2.

Hypotheses
Ask question - Writing a hypothesis begins with a research question that you want to answer
Do some preliminary research - theories & previous studies. construct a conceptual framework to identify
variables to study and what the relationships are between them
Formulate hypothesis - Write the initial answer to the question in a clear, concise sentence.
Refine hypothesis - hypothesis is testable, relevant variables, specific group being studied, predicted outcome
of the experiment or analysis
Phrase hypothesis - simple prediction, directly states the predicted relationship between variables, difference
to expect between them
Write a null hypothesis - research involves statistical hypothesis testing, null hypothesis is the default position
that there is no association between the variables (H0), while the alternative hypothesis is H1 or Ha.
Formatting hypothesis:

Hypothesis
Ask question - Do students who attend more lectures get better exam results?
Do some preliminary research -
Formulate hypothesis - Attending more lectures leads to better exam results.
Refine hypothesis -
Phrase hypothesis
Write a null hypothesis - H0: The number of lectures attended by first-year students has no effect on their final exam scores.
Example hypothesis:
- simple prediction: If a first-year student starts attending more lectures, then their exam scores will improve.
- relationship between variables: The number of lectures attended by first-year students has a positive effect
on their exam scores.
- differences between them: First-year students who attended most lectures will have better exam scores than
those who attended few lectures.
H1: The number of lectures attended by first-year students has a positive effect on their final exam scores

Objectives
describe what your research is trying to achieve and
explain why you are pursuing it
should appear in the introduction of your research
paper, at the end of your problem statement.
Stated as ‘general’ and ‘specific’
General objective - what is to be accomplished by the
research project, reflecting the title
Specific objectives - specific research questions the
investigator wants to answer through the proposed
study
Use Bloom taxonomy to set the objectives

Objectives
Specific: Your research needs to be clearly defined in order to get useful results.
Measurable: Know how you’ll measure whether your objectives have been achieved.
Achievable: Although objectives may be challenging, but they should be feasible - Make sure that relevant
groundwork has been done on your topic or that relevant primary or secondary sources exist. Also ensure that
you have access to relevant research facilities (labs, library resources, research databases, etc.).
Relevant: Make sure that they directly address the research problem you want to work on and that they
contribute to the current state of research in your field.
Time-based: Set clear deadlines for objectives to ensure that the project stays on track
Developing research objective via SMART:

Literature review
Search for relevant literature on the research topic
What was previously done in relation to this problem?
What were some of the significant studies?
Identify themes, debates, and lacking (needs), sources
Recent publications
Use reference manager (Mendeley/EndNote etc) for citations

Methodology
Description of research design
Need to be scientifically technical details for each experiment/test/work
You can structure the study design into work packages or phases
Can include figures (illustrations/flowchart) to explain the study plans + table
Ethics mentioned for application
Statistical analysis
Sample size calculation

Methodology
Type of quantitative study design

Methodology
Type of qualitative study design

Expected results
Novel theories/knowledge - based on data
Impact on society, academia, government, industry, and the environment
Publications (specific journal & Q)
Potential application
Number of students
Intelectual property (IP) - patent, trademark etc

Implications and Contribution to knowledge
10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (MySTIE)
Key Economic Growth Activities (KEGA)
Sustainable Development Goals 3 (SDG)
Research is in line with Government’s policy
Novel theories/New findings/Knowledge
Impact of research deliverables on Society, Academia, Government, Industry and Environment

Research schedule
Start and end dates
Research activities (deliverables) to inform the research objectives

Research schedule
Expected project completion
Date and percentage
Appropriate milestone - every 6 months for
Research milestones
example

Research schedule
Consist of activities and milestones
Gantt chart

Facility & support
Specify the support on the facility and the instrument that will be used for
the study
Dynamic team - experts in the field, who will be involved in the project
Technical and administrative support

Budget
Follow the grant/Institution guideline for budget allocation and votes
Potential risks on financial, technical and duration
Have mitigation plans for the risks
Risk assessment
Specify the website used for patent search (lens.org) with keywords
Add the analysis for patent search
Patent search

UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH FUNDING
how your research fits into the funder research portfolio
explore the different types of grant programs offered
know the eligibility requirements of the grants/awards
find and understand funding opportunities, guidelines
ensure your research is original
understand your organisation's internal procedures
prepare to write a competitive application
Learn the basics about the funding:
Plan your approach:

TYPES OF FUNDING
RESEARCH GRANTS
RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS
CLINICAL RESEARCH
CONFERENCE GRANTS (TRAVEL)
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT GRANTS
NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY

RESEARCH GRANTS
Multiple-applicants
Go to CRIM UKM website
https://research.ukm.my/geran-penyelidikan/
Geran Translasi UKM (TR-UKM)
Dana Impak Perdana 2.0 (DIP)
Geran Universiti Penyelidikan (GUP)
Geran Galakan Penyelidik Muda (GGPM)**
Dana Padanan Kolaborasi (DPK)
UNIVERSITY
Geran Fakulti
SPI, FPer, UKM
Multiple-applicants

RESEARCH GRANTS
**involved in writing & secured as a PI
Multiple-applicants
NATIONAL
Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
https://www.mohe.gov.my/en/services/research/mygrants
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)**
Prototype Development Research Grant Scheme (PRGS)
Trans Disciplinary Research Grant Scheme (TRGS)
Long Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS)
Malaysia Laboratories for Academia-Business Collaboration (MyLAB)
Ministry of Science Technology Innovative (MOSTI)
https://sdb.mosti.gov.my/sdbcms/ms/
Technology Development Fund 1 & 2
Bridging Fund
Strategic Research Fund
MOSTI Combating Covid-19
Akademi Sains Malaysia
https://www.akademisains.gov.my/
Dr Ranjeet Bhagwan Singh (RBS) Medical Research
Trust Fund
One applicant
RESEARCH TRAINING AND
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
AWARDS

RESEARCH GRANTS
European Research Council (ERC):
https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/
Example - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships
Scence Foundation Ireland (SFI)
Health Research Board (HRB): https://www.hrb.ie/
Example - Emerging Investigator Awards
Wellcome Trust:
Example - Early-Career Awards
INTERNATIONAL
RESEARCH TRAINING AND
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
AWARDS
Multiple-applicants
European Research Council (ERC):
https://erc.europa.eu
Example - Starting Grants, Consolidator Grants,
Horizon 2020 iPSPINE
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI): https://www.sfi.ie/
Wellcome Trust: https://wellcome.org/
British Council: https://www.britishcouncil.my/
Example - Newton-Ungku Omar Fund
Wellcome Trust https://wellcome.org/
One applicant, co-applicant(s), mentor(s)
Pre-application > if successful, you will be invited
for full-application stage > interview

ACADEMIC: SECRETS OF WINNING A RESEARCH GRANT
GOOD SCIENCE
A successful proposal
must closely align with the
strategic goals or plan of
grant agencies/gov
Know the potential interest
of the project - ask the
grant agencies about this
Basic science addresses
big concept idea
Hypothesis-driven study
Pre-liminary data
FEEDBACK
Teaming up with
collaborators - scientists,
clinicians, engineer
Mentor(s)
Dynamic team members
(Professors, AP & junior
PI)
Industry partner
REVIEW
Scheduling time for
rewrites, proofreads,
and secondary reads
the proposal by others
Meet all requirements
of the funding call
Avoid last-minute
submission
GOOD WRITE-UP
SCIENCE
STORYTELLING
COLABORATIVE
TEAM
Clear language
Formatting style
Illustrations
Scientifically technical
details
Follow the guidelines
Identify key points and
answer the crucial questions
and connect them -
fundamental, translation
Convince the
reviewers/panels that your
ideas are worthy and exciting
- video
Admit limitations instead of
trying to meet preconceived
expectations
Revise the grant after the
review before submission
Not all grants end with a
proposal’s submission -
use feedback to
strengthen the proposal

AIC PROPOSAL WRITING DR ISMA .pdf

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