Orientation on Research Funding Process

On 21st November 2024, an orientation session on the Research Funding Process was conducted under the guidance of Dr. O.P. Kalra, HOD & Professor (Neurology), and Dr. Jyoti Batra, Dean Research. The session was led by Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Adjunct Professor at SDU, with an illustrious background as the former Head, Division of IH & HRD, ICMR, and former Director of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA).

Agenda:

• Exploring research funding opportunities, particularly from ICMR and other agencies.
• Encouraging participants to overcome hesitations in submitting research proposals.
• Providing practical guidance on effective proposal writing and review processes.

Session Highlights:

1. Introduction and Agenda Setting:

   • Dr. Jyoti Batra introduced Dr. Mukesh Kumar, highlighting his extensive expertise in medical research and international funding programs.
   • Dr. O.P. Kalra outlined the meeting's objectives, emphasizing the importance of leveraging research funding opportunities and addressing the complexities of proposal submission.

2. Exploring Funding Opportunities:

   • Dr. Mukesh Kumar provided a detailed overview of funding opportunities from agencies such as ICMR, DBT, DST, and others.
   • Participants from diverse research domains, including genetics, diabetes, stem cell medicine, and environmental health, engaged in discussions to identify strategies for successful funding.

3. Key Insights on Proposal Development:

   • Dr. Mukesh analyzed faculty-submitted proposals, noting that only 50% of participants had previously attempted writing project proposals.
   • He emphasized that research not only contributes to career growth but also strengthens the institution’s academic standing.

4. Challenges and Recommendations:

   • Common challenges like hesitancy in proposal submission, reasons for rejection, and navigating funding processes were addressed.
   • Key recommendations included:
     • Aligning proposals with funding agency mandates.
     • Monitoring funding agency updates regularly.
     • Seeking critical feedback from experts.
     • Maintaining ethical integrity in all submissions.

5. Future Workshops:

   • Dr. Mukesh proposed follow-up workshops on Grantsmanship (tentatively scheduled for the second week of December 2024) to enhance proposal-writing skills.
   • He encouraged junior faculty to submit at least one project proposal annually.
   • Upcoming workshops will also focus on identifying suitable funding agencies and improving existing proposals.

6. Funding Agencies Discussed:

   • Prominent funding organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Tata Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation, Reliance Foundation, Wellcome Group, SERB, and British Heart Foundation, were highlighted as potential sources for research grants.

7. Interactive Q&A:

   • Faculty members such as Dr. Deepika Agarwal, Dr. Poonam, Dr. Alka, Dr. Dakshana Bisht, and Mr. Sivabalan raised queries about proposal submissions and funding challenges.
   • Dr. Mukesh assured that these concerns would be addressed comprehensively during the upcoming workshops.

Participation and Conclusion:

• The session saw participation from 20 faculty members across the Medical College, Hospital, and Dental College.
• The meeting concluded at 4:30 pm, with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Jyoti Batra, encouraging continued efforts in research and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

• Regularly monitor funding agency announcements.
• Develop well-crafted, ethically sound proposals.
• Consistent effort and resubmissions increase funding success.

Next Steps:

• Attend the upcoming Grantsmanship Workshop for hands-on training.
• Continue refining research proposals based on feedback.
• Explore funding opportunities aligned with research domains.

This orientation session laid the groundwork for a deeper understanding of research funding, inspiring participants to pursue funding opportunities with confidence and clarity.