Research Prospector Boot Camp and Stipend

The Research Office will continue its “Research Prospectors” proposal bootcamp in AY2025. The designation of “Research Prospector” will be awarded upon the completion of the training components listed below. The complete workshop consists of two elements: four one-hour online workshops and homework tasks which apply the concepts taught in the workshops. Completion of the associated homework elements, which culminate in the submission of a white paper or a proposal to a funding agency, makes attendees eligible for a $5000 research stipend. The stipend may be used toward research activities such as travel, student support, or generation of preliminary data.

The next workshop will be held via Teams in early May on the following Mondays and Wednesdays: May 5, 7, 12, and 14. Workshop time is 12-1 PM each day.

Research Prospectors must demonstrate competence in the following homework components to qualify for the stipend:

  1. Preparation of a research Value Proposition for use in research pitches (proposals and presentations).
  2. Develop a strategy to increase visibility and funding probability.
  3. Preparation of 1 one-page pre-proposal or project summary that has been reviewed by peer mentors AND submitted to a program director of a funding agency OR adapted into a full proposal for submission.
Content of the four workshops includes:

  • The proposal ecosystem
  • Key writing concepts for a compelling proposal
  • Homework: identifying unique strengths and evaluating a proposal against review criteria

  • Creating a responsive proposal
  • Building your brand
  • Ensuring your writing has impact
  • Different ways to review your proposal
  • Homework: Writing mission and vision statements, writing a value proposition, and describing how your proposal fits in with the proposed agency

  • Pre-Award Roles: PI, Research Office, Administration, Technology Transfer
  • Timelines
  • Things to get in order for proposal submission
  • Budget basics including rates, subawards, matching, etc.
  • Homework: review the Proposal Certification Form and review the PI Handbook section regarding the circulation of the PCF

  • Post-Award Roles: PI, Research Office, Administration, Technology Transfer
  • Notifications and Reviews
  • Process if a win (roles, reporting, etc.)
  • Process if a loss (potential resubmission)
  • Seed fund requirements
  • Homework: survey and $5K seed fund requirements (optional)

Copies of the slides will be provided to the workshop attendees. In certain cases, faculty may meet individually with the Director of Technology Transfer / Director of Proposal Development, Dr. John Bognar, to complete these sessions while preparing a specific proposal.

Please contact John Bognar at jbognar@mtech.edu for more information.