Applying for a 2025 RSTMH Early Career Grant: Advice from 2024 awardees
Ahead of the deadline for applications to the 2025 RSTMH Early Career Grants Programme (14 May 2025, 12:00 PM BST), we spoke to some of our 2024 awardees, funded by RSTMH, to ask what their top tips would be for those currently writing an application.
Nipun Rathnayake, Sri Lanka
2024 awardee project title: Investigation of the burden and transmission dynamics of hantavirus infection and leptospirosis in selected administrative areas of Madawachchiya divisional secretariat, Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.
"As one of the 2024 Early Career Grant awardees, I believe a strong application should clearly explain why your research is important and how it addresses a specific problem. If your project is part of a larger study, highlight why this phase is essential to achieving the final goal. It’s also important to demonstrate that your research is realistic and can be successfully completed within the given timeframe and resources. When preparing your budget, justify every expense by explaining why it is necessary for your project. If the grant does not cover all costs, outline how you will secure additional funding to complete your research. A well-planned budget strengthens your proposal and shows that you have a clear financial plan. For the methodology, referencing established protocols or previous research helps build credibility. Clearly link your approach, materials, and techniques to your research goals to show how they will lead to meaningful results. Finally, be honest about your current situation and how this grant will support your career. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I strongly encourage applicants to apply with confidence, it can truly make a big difference in your career.”
Dr Huma Mujahid, Pakistan
2024 awardee project title: Cross sectional analysis of Irresponsible parental use of Antibiotics among Children as a leading cause of development of Antibiotic resistance in Salmonella typhi.
"The journey from application to execution requires careful planning. Securing a research grant is a significant achievement in your scientific career. Here are essential guidelines to help you navigate the process effectively:
1. Choose a Relevant Topic – Ensure your research aligns with current trends and mission of RSTMH.
2. Attend Seminars – Engage in related events organized by RSTMH to gain insights and build connections.
3. Review Your Proposal – Seek feedback from multiple experts to refine your project.
4. Emphasize Importance – Clearly state the significance and potential impact of your research.
5. Prepare your Budget Wisely – Plan your budget carefully, reviewing it 2-3 times to optimize resources.
Staying organized and committed will help you maximize your grant and make a lasting contribution."
Sergio Alejandro Gómez Ochoa, Colombia
2024 awardee project title: Evaluation of Chagas disease progression and associated factors in a Colombian population.
"When crafting your application, I recommend first reviewing very well the examples of other candidates whose proposals were previously funded, but avoid the temptation to simply mimic their structure or approach. Instead, analyse what makes those proposals compelling—clear research questions, logical methodologies, well-justified budgets—and adapt these strengths to your unique project. Pay attention to how successful applicants connect their research to broader health impacts while maintaining feasibility within the timeframe and budget constraints. I found that successful proposals achieve a delicate balance between ambition and practicality, with precise objectives that can be realistically achieved in one year. Remember that reviewers are looking for originality combined with methodological rigor, not replications of previous work.
"For the budget, specificity is key. Detail each cost with precise unit amounts and clear justifications that directly link to your methodology. Remember that each budget line must be self-explanatory—imagine reviewers reading it without your research plan. Furthermore, your methodology must include enough technical detail to demonstrate feasibility while remaining accessible to non-specialists. In addition, reviewers often appreciate the anticipation of practical problems that may arise and describe mitigation strategies—for example, addressing potential follow-up difficulties by explaining multiple tracking approaches for participants, which may reassure reviewers about study completion.
"Finally, prepare the proposal with enough time to allow you to have at least one "cooling-off period". This refers to a deliberate break you take from your proposal to gain distance and perspective before returning to review it with "fresh eyes". When you've been deeply immersed in writing a proposal, your brain tends to fill in gaps, correct errors automatically, and understand your own shorthand without realizing it. This familiarity bias makes it difficult to spot inconsistencies, logical flaws, or unclear explanations that would be perhaps more evident to someone encountering your work for the first time. I'd recommend completing your first full draft at least 10-14 days before the deadline, allowing for this cooling-off period followed by time for revisions and final polishing."