Proposal writing checklist

On page 1 of the proposal, I have clearly described:

• Which problem the project addresses.
• Why it is important to address this problem (the big picture for someone not in the sub-field).
• The gap/s in knowledge about this problem that have prevented scientists from solving the problem before.
• An overarching purpose/goal, with a clear connection to the addressed gaps/problem.
• Specific aims, that are interconnected, and phrased in a way that they fill the addressed gap/s.

In the rest of the proposal, I have clearly conveyed:

• In what way the purpose is novel.
• What the impact of the project will be (long-term importance).
• How I methodologically will approach each aim.
• How the methodological approach is novel.
• Why I am the right person and why my team is the right team to do this (accomplishments, expertise, contacts, experience, technology etc.).
• What each senior investigator will contribute with.

I have also followed these recommendations:

• I have read and followed the instructions and potential templates for the specific call.
• The State-of-the-art section has a clear focus on what is not known (the gaps).
• The scientific abstract is thoroughly written in a way that it is understood also by generalists.
• The proposal does not have too long paragraphs, and the layout is not too dense.
• The proposal includes at least one graphic/figure.
• At least one colleague (preferably not in your immediate research area) has read and commented on the proposal.
• I have thoroughly considered each and every comment from my colleague/s.