Introduction
This proposal aims to provide comprehensive support in drafting the funding application for the EU's International Training Network (ITN) grant. The guidance provided will leverage the expertise and experience of BioSci Consulting, encouraging the consortium's excellence. Through our experience we have learned that there are aspects that one has to consider for successful ITN proposals:
The proposal is about more than the scientifc projects of the doctoral students. There needs to be a credible and novel training program and there has to be a work plan, work packages, milestones and deliverables, that delivers on building the training program and the network.
There is an emphasis on training of the transferrable skills, skills that are applicable across disciplines.
The proposal still has to show a pathway to societal impact.
Having industrial partners who can engage in the training of the PhD students builds credibility for the learning about the exploitation of results
The history and the quality of the training programs matters.
BioSci Consulting: A Unique Blend of Experience,
Expertise, and Engagement
BioSci Consulting is a boutique consulting frm focused and the services of myself, Scott Wagers. I started my career as a physician and translational researcher with an assistant professorship at the University of Vermont. I therefore bring both a scientifc and clinical perspective. As a consultant, I draw from my vast experience spanning over 17 years, which includes work on more than 50 consortium projects that range across multiple disease domains and disciplines. This extensive familiarity with consortium projects affords me a unique insight, making me ideally suited to assist your team in creating a compelling grant application. My background in both science and medicine enhances my consulting service, providing a critical vantage point to direct and structure your proposal. This, combined with my profciency in recognizing and underscoring the impact of your initiatives, differentiates me as a consultant. There is also a strong emphasis on engagement in my approach. I commit myself to understand not just what your team is working towards, but also the problem you aim to solve. This understanding is then leveraged to build a project concept. Working in collaboration with consortium partners, we iterate this concept until a clear, coherent, and impactful proposal emerges.
Architect for your ideas
Unlike other proposal consultants who hand you the metaphorical pencil and blueprint, expecting you to be the architect of your project's narrative, BioSci Consulting operates differently. My role is analogous to an architect, pulling together your ideas into a cohesive design, saving you from having to design the structure yourself. After our initial discussion, where I listen deeply to understand your vision, requirements, and objectives, I then take the lead to draft a proposal. This proposal is not simply a sketch, but a detailed design that thoughtfully incorporates current best practices and trends. This collaborative yet hands-on approach ensures that your vision is brought to life accurately, effciently, and effectively, increasing your opportunities for success. Like an architect I listen to your ideas and then come back to you with proposed concept, impact pathway novel ideas for training programs etc. The scientifc projects need to come from the partners, but I will also review them for quality and strategic soundness as well. With BioSci Consulting, you don't just get a consultant; you get a dedicated architect for your ideas.
Logic model and theory of change
One fundamental aspect of our services at BioSci Consulting is assisting in defning the logic model and theory of change for your proposal. The logic model is a systematic and visual way to present and share your understanding of the relationships among the resources you have to operate your program, the activities you plan, and the results you hope to achieve. This interconnected structure helps to create a clear and comprehensive framework for the project. Equally critical is the development of a robust 'Theory of Change', a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. We explore the causal relationships between inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact identifying assumptions, risks and impact indicators along the way. This isn't simply an exercise in forecasting, but a deep dive into the parameters of your proposed operation, analyzing the change process and decoding the mechanics of the effect you aim to create. My role, as your consultant, is to navigate this complex task, bringing our expertise into play to help articulate a compelling, convincing theory of change. I look beyond the surface, asking probing questions and drawing out underlying assumptions which can often be overlooked.
This way, the evaluation committee can see the rationale behind your proposed activities, understand the context within which you're working, appreciate the changes you want to bring about, and recognize the methods you will use to measure your success. This comprehensive understanding of your project can signifcantly enhance the persuasiveness of your proposal.
Services
BioSci Consulting offers a range of services, three options, to suit your needs:
Application Review and Recommendations: If you already have a draft application, I can conduct a thorough review to ensure it aligns with the ITN's grant requirements and is strategically sound. I will provide detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement including example text and templates where applicable.
Full Proposal Development: In instances where you prefer more comprehensive assistance, I can take on the task of drafting the entire proposal. This includes formulating project ideas, writing the proposal, and ensuring it meets all the grant's criteria.
Development and consortium management: In addition to proposal management, our team help build the consortium - identify and talk to new partners, we will actively chase partners for input, provide support in developing a budget, and take care of the submission process.
Please note that these prices do not include applicable taxes or any potential travel or accommodation expenses incurred during face-to-face meetings or site visits.
In conclusion, a partnership with BioSci Consulting provides access to a wealth of knowledge and experience, greatly increasing the chances of securing the ITN grant while reducing the workload for the partners. I look forward to the possibility of working together.
