PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS

The research proposal should have following structure.

1. Cover Page with proposal title your name.

2. Abstract
3. 1 page of Specific Aims of the project
4. 1 page on current state-of-the-art related to project (background and review of the literature).
5. Up to 6 pages of Research Strategy, with the following three sections:
a. Significance (less than one page)
b. Innovation (less than one page)
c. Approach (includes preliminary data)
6. References

GUIDING NOTES ON EACH SECTION

ABSTRACT SECTION
The proposal should include a concise statement of your intended research of no more than 100 words. This
may be a couple of sentences setting out the problem that you want to examine or the central question that you
wish to address.

SPECIFIC AIMS SECTION

(A one page statement of your objectives for the project). In your Specific Aims, you should note the significance
and innovation of your research; then list your two to three concrete objectives, your aims

BACKGROUND AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

A description of what is already known about this area and short discussion of why the background studies are
not sufficient.

Summarize what is already known about the field. Include a summary of the basic background information
on the topic gleaned from your literature review.
Point out why these background studies are insufficient and what question(s) do they leave unresolved that
you would like to study?

SIGNIFICANCE SECTION

Explain the importance of the problem or critical barrier to progress in the field that the proposed project
addresses.
Explain how the proposed project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability and will contribute in
one or more broad fields.

INNOVATION SECTION

Explain how the application challenges and seeks to shift current research or industrial practice paradigms.
Describe any novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, or technology to be developed or
used, and any advantage over state-of-the-art.
Explain any refinements, improvements, or new applications of theoretical concepts, approaches or
methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions.

APPROACH SECTION

Describe the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses to be used to accomplish the specific aims...
Include how the data will be collected, analysed, and interpreted..
Discuss potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success to achieve the aims.
If the project is in the early stages of development, describe any strategy to establish feasibility, and address
the management of any high risk aspects of the proposed work.
Preliminary Timeline (Gantt chart)
Summary of milestones to be achieved and how they will enable future work