Learning to write winning research proposals

Workshop held to help researchers get foreign grants.

LAHORE: The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) organised a workshop on Monday on preparing competent research proposals for foreign grants.

The workshop titled Sustainable and Collaborative Research Networks was funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the British Council, Lahore.

The organisers aimed at winning financial aid from the International Strategic Partnerships in Research & Education (INSPIRE) for the promotion of higher education.

Dr Tahira Mughal and Zeb Saddique of the LCWU discussed the problems faced by the students in designing, managing and planning research funded internationally in chemistry, zoology, environmental sciences, botany, biotechnology and pharmacy.

Saddique said that the HEC channelled some research funds but frequently these were not handled properly. “We get limited assistance and 20 per cent of it is deducted in taxes. University funds should be tax free,” she said. She regretted that the government had not shown any interest in eliminating the taxes on educational spending despite several requests. “Given the situation, our only hope is seeking help from foreign agencies,” she added. The presentation explained the frequent flaws in the various components of a research proposal, its design and planning.

Dr Mughal explained that funding rules varied from country to country. One has to learn the rules and concepts.  “We have to develop a sustainable system of education, which can only be achieved if the students are taught these procedures and strategies,” she added.

Monday was the last day of the four-day workshop at the LCWU. There will be a prize distribution ceremony for the participants on Tuesday (today).

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2010.