If your application is unsuccessful – plan your next steps

All researchers, whether early career or senior, receive unsuccessful funding decisions. Do not be discouraged – keep applying.

Before submitting another application, take time to understand why your previous application was unsuccessful. Carefully review any comments from the reviewers and ask one or two colleagues to provide feedback on the application's weaknesses. Every application has strengths and weaknesses. Consider what you can do to address the weaknesses and build on the strengths.

You may need to refine your research idea or strengthen your project design. You may need to gather additional preliminary data to support your proposed research. Perhaps your research idea could be communicated more clearly and persuasively in writing. Or you may need to identify funding opportunities that are a better match for your research.

Revise your application based on the weaknesses you have identified. If you are adapting the application for submission to a different funder, make sure it complies with that funder's specific requirements and instructions.

Remember that you will often need to frame your project differently to align with a particular funder's aims and priorities. It is rarely effective to submit exactly the same application to multiple funders.