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Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Chapter 20
Letters of Inquiry and Preproposals
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Short proposal in letter form
•Scrutinize every sentence for detail, clarity, and
conciseness
•Follow the funder’s guidelines EXACTLY
•Adjust the level of writing to the review board
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Content of a Letter of Inquiry
• Abstract
• Introduction/Background
• Statement of Need
• Objective and Specific Aims
• Strategy and Goals
• Leadership and Organization
• Budget
• Significance/Impact
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Questions to Answer in a LOI
• Why this project?
• Why you?
• Why at your institution?
• Why this sponsor?
• Why now?
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Abstract of a Letter of Inquiry
Include the following elements in the Abstract:
• Background/General context
• Statement of need/Problem
• Objective (and specific aims—optional)
• Approach
• (Funding request)
• Impact/Significance
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Example of an LOI Abstract
Feelings of connectedness to the fetus and newborn are the
foundation of the maternal–infant bonding. Being separated
from their babies can be devastating to mothers and can affect
the health and development of infants. Here we propose to
evaluate perceptions of maternal–infant bonding and
attachment in postpartum women within the context of forced
separation of incarcerated women who are separated from their
babies at birth. We will interview postpartum women in a
hospital prison during the first 3 postpartum days and . . . .
Knowledge about the emotional status of incarcerated
postpartum mothers who underwent forced separation from
their babies and knowledge on their babies’ health and well-
being will provide policy makers and health care providers with
information necessary to make decisions regarding routine
forced separation of mothers and newborns.
BackgroundBackground
ProblemProblem
ObjectiveObjective
StrategyStrategy
Significanc
e
Significanc
e
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
LOI Introduction/ Background
Focus on highlights in the Introduction/Background
• Keep it to one or two paragraphs
• Can include preliminary results
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
LOI Statement of Need
Provide a clear statement of need
Do not overuse statistics
Example
Salamander limb deformities detected in California are of
concern to public health experts. It is important to explore the
underlying causes of these deformities to establish preventive
measures. An urgently needed next step in the protection of
public health is the examination of the X hypothesis.
Investigations of this hypothesis may not only determine the
causative agent of the observed limb deformities but also forgo
the danger of potential developmental problems in humans
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
LOI Objective and Specific Aims
Clearly identify the overall objective
Example
The proposed study aims to develop treatment strategies
to minimize the emergence, amplification, and
transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the high-
burden setting of Uganda. Specifically, we will (a)
perform a meta-analysis of treatment success from five
hospitals in the capital and (b) predict best treatment
options through mathematical modeling .
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
LOI Leadership and Organization
Describe any expertise briefly, including location
if needed
Example
Key Personnel: The proposed project will be led by Martin
Brown (Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geology and
Geophysics) and Ron Robinson (Ph.D., Professor of Applied
Physics). Martin Brown’s contributions to the project will
build on his ground-breaking work in XYZ. Ron Robinson
brings expertise in the design of Y. Both principal investiga-
tors have been collaborating on Z for a number of years.
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
LOI Budget
State what the funding will be used for
Example
We are requesting $150,000 to carry out the
proposed study. This amount will cover the salary
of a postdoctoral fellow, equipment, and travel to
South America to collect data and specimens.
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
LOI Impact and Significance
End the LOI with a broad impact statement
Example
Novel, bioengineered crops will allow farmers to grow
varieties of plants with enhanced productivity, quality, and
improved ability to adapt and survive when faced with
adverse environmental conditions. This need is particularly
urgent in light of the global food crisis, which has put
almost a billion people at risk of hunger and malnutrition.
By designing new technology and developing varieties that
allow more sustainable farming, the project aims to provide
innovative and sustainable solutions to the problems faced
by crop growers worldwide.
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
LOI Cover Letter
Send a cover letter together with your LOI
• First paragraph: State you are sending an LOI
• Second paragraph: Describe your project briefly and
indicate the need, objective, strategy, and impact
• Final paragraph: Indicate the next step, identify contact
person, and summarize importance

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Ch20

  • 1. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press Chapter 20 Letters of Inquiry and Preproposals
  • 2. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Short proposal in letter form •Scrutinize every sentence for detail, clarity, and conciseness •Follow the funder’s guidelines EXACTLY •Adjust the level of writing to the review board
  • 3. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press Content of a Letter of Inquiry • Abstract • Introduction/Background • Statement of Need • Objective and Specific Aims • Strategy and Goals • Leadership and Organization • Budget • Significance/Impact
  • 4. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press Questions to Answer in a LOI • Why this project? • Why you? • Why at your institution? • Why this sponsor? • Why now?
  • 5. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press Abstract of a Letter of Inquiry Include the following elements in the Abstract: • Background/General context • Statement of need/Problem • Objective (and specific aims—optional) • Approach • (Funding request) • Impact/Significance
  • 6. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press Example of an LOI Abstract Feelings of connectedness to the fetus and newborn are the foundation of the maternal–infant bonding. Being separated from their babies can be devastating to mothers and can affect the health and development of infants. Here we propose to evaluate perceptions of maternal–infant bonding and attachment in postpartum women within the context of forced separation of incarcerated women who are separated from their babies at birth. We will interview postpartum women in a hospital prison during the first 3 postpartum days and . . . . Knowledge about the emotional status of incarcerated postpartum mothers who underwent forced separation from their babies and knowledge on their babies’ health and well- being will provide policy makers and health care providers with information necessary to make decisions regarding routine forced separation of mothers and newborns. BackgroundBackground ProblemProblem ObjectiveObjective StrategyStrategy Significanc e Significanc e
  • 7. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press LOI Introduction/ Background Focus on highlights in the Introduction/Background • Keep it to one or two paragraphs • Can include preliminary results
  • 8. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press LOI Statement of Need Provide a clear statement of need Do not overuse statistics Example Salamander limb deformities detected in California are of concern to public health experts. It is important to explore the underlying causes of these deformities to establish preventive measures. An urgently needed next step in the protection of public health is the examination of the X hypothesis. Investigations of this hypothesis may not only determine the causative agent of the observed limb deformities but also forgo the danger of potential developmental problems in humans
  • 9. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press LOI Objective and Specific Aims Clearly identify the overall objective Example The proposed study aims to develop treatment strategies to minimize the emergence, amplification, and transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the high- burden setting of Uganda. Specifically, we will (a) perform a meta-analysis of treatment success from five hospitals in the capital and (b) predict best treatment options through mathematical modeling .
  • 10. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press LOI Leadership and Organization Describe any expertise briefly, including location if needed Example Key Personnel: The proposed project will be led by Martin Brown (Ph.D., Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics) and Ron Robinson (Ph.D., Professor of Applied Physics). Martin Brown’s contributions to the project will build on his ground-breaking work in XYZ. Ron Robinson brings expertise in the design of Y. Both principal investiga- tors have been collaborating on Z for a number of years.
  • 11. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press LOI Budget State what the funding will be used for Example We are requesting $150,000 to carry out the proposed study. This amount will cover the salary of a postdoctoral fellow, equipment, and travel to South America to collect data and specimens.
  • 12. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press LOI Impact and Significance End the LOI with a broad impact statement Example Novel, bioengineered crops will allow farmers to grow varieties of plants with enhanced productivity, quality, and improved ability to adapt and survive when faced with adverse environmental conditions. This need is particularly urgent in light of the global food crisis, which has put almost a billion people at risk of hunger and malnutrition. By designing new technology and developing varieties that allow more sustainable farming, the project aims to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to the problems faced by crop growers worldwide.
  • 13. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press LOI Cover Letter Send a cover letter together with your LOI • First paragraph: State you are sending an LOI • Second paragraph: Describe your project briefly and indicate the need, objective, strategy, and impact • Final paragraph: Indicate the next step, identify contact person, and summarize importance