From February 4th to 6th, 2024, the University’s Innovation Boardroom buzzed with energy, ideas, and a shared commitment to excellence as faculty, researchers, and students gathered for an intensive grants training workshop. The event, designed to equip participants with the skills to secure competitive funding, was a masterclass in strategy, collaboration, and attention to detail. Over the three days, seasoned experts shared invaluable insights, challenging participants to rethink their approach to grant writing and research.
The Challenge of Crafting Compelling Titles
The workshop kicked off with a thought-provoking challenge from Prof. Karuti Kanyinga, who highlighted a recurring issue in academic research: the lack of creativity and precision in thesis and dissertation titles. “Our students often settle for titles that are either too vague or overly complex,” he remarked. “A title is your first impression—it should be clear, concise, and captivating enough to grab the attention of funders and reviewers – a title should be maximum 3 words and a subtitle.” Prof. Kanyinga urged participants to think of titles as a gateway to their research, emphasizing that a well-crafted title can make the difference between a grant application being noticed or overlooked.
Winning a Grant Lies in the Details
One of the key takeaways from the training was the importance of meticulous planning, particularly in budgeting. Prof. Grace Murilla, a seasoned grant writer, stressed that a well-structured budget is often the backbone of a successful proposal. “Funders want to see that you’ve thought through every detail,” she said. “Your budget should align with your objectives, be realistic, and demonstrate value for money.” She also emphasized the need to involve the right people in the grant writing process, noting that a diverse team with complementary skills can significantly enhance the quality of a proposal.
Time Management and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Prof. Vasey Mwaja echoed the sentiment of careful planning, urging participants to set aside ample time for grant applications. “Grant writing is not a last-minute endeavor,” he cautioned. “You need to allocate sufficient time to understand the requirements, gather data, and refine your proposal.” He also highlighted the importance of adhering to deadlines and ensuring that all supporting documents are in order. Besides, he noted the need to have a communication strategy to help penetrate the community.
Prof. Walter Jaoko brought a fresh perspective to the table, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to research. “The most impactful research often comes from collaboration across disciplines,” he said. “Involve renowned researchers in your field, but also seek out experts from other areas who can bring new insights and methodologies to your work.” This, he argued, not only strengthens the proposal but also increases its chances of success.
The Power of Collaboration
Prof. Dickson Andala reinforced the value of partnerships, both within and outside the university. “Collaboration is key, even at the application stage,” she said. “Reach out to other institutions, industry partners, and stakeholders who can add value to your project. Funders are more likely to support initiatives that demonstrate a broad network and shared commitment.”
Navigating the FundsBeeline Platform
The training also featured a hands-on session led by Mr. Joseph Maina and the FundsBeeline team, who introduced participants to their innovative platform designed to connect researchers with funding opportunities. Using specific keywords, participants learned how to efficiently search for grants tailored to their research interests. “The platform is a treasure trove of opportunities,” Maina explained. “But the key is to use the right keywords and filters to narrow down your search and find the most relevant calls for proposals.”
A Transformative Experience
By the end of the three days, participants left the Innovation Boardroom not only equipped with practical skills but also inspired to approach grant writing with renewed vigor and precision. The workshop underscored the importance of creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail in securing funding—a lesson that will undoubtedly shape the future of research at the university.
As Prof. Kanyinga aptly put it, “The journey to winning grants begins with a single step: crafting a title that captures the essence of your work. But it doesn’t end there. It’s about building the right team, planning meticulously, and embracing collaboration at every stage.” With these insights, the university’s researchers are now better positioned to unlock new opportunities and drive innovation in their respective fields.
Write those grants and let the grants office help you in submitting them!! Remember the target, 3 grants applied for every member by the end of this semester in May 2025. You can do it.