Grant writer Bruce Steinert, PhD - Urology Research 05 Jan 1996 07:39 EST

Ronald Polizzi inquired about an institution-wide grant writer.

There two principle stages of grant writing: protocol development and
application preparation. A grant writer should not be expected
to develop the hypothesis, significance, or methods for a
project. The investigators will be much better prepared for this.
However, with regard to preparing the application, a grant writer can be
very helpful. Several investigators with whom I have worked have had only a
limited knowledge of the application process. I have assisted in
identifying funding sources, provided supporting documentation (budget,
other support, etc.), compliance with agency guidelines and regulations,
etc. Regulatory committee applications (IRB, etc) can usually be drafted
from the funding application. Most investigators consider these aspects of the
application to be 'busy work'. I have helped prepare protocols for
investigators whose first language was not English. These investigators
were more confident in seeking outside pre-submission reviews of the
'science' once the grammar and language usage were cleaned up. A grant
writer of the type you seek should be able to relieve investigators from
the routine aspects of application prep and give the protocol a quick
review for inconsistancies and readability even if the underlying science
is beyond their expertise.

Hope that helps.
Bruce

Bruce W. Steinert, Ph.D.
Department of Urology
William Beaumont Hospital
3601 West Thirteen Mile Road        (810) 551-2572 (Voice)
Royal Oak, MI  48073-6769           (810) 551-8107 (FAX)