How to Pitch an EOI - Webinar

On 29 November 2023, the ARC hosted a Webinar: “How to Pitch an EOI” to support the introduction of the EOI process for Discovery Projects 25.
Watch the very informative tips provided by our guest speakers, Professors Penny Brothers, Catherine Coleborne and Michael Mintrom.

[@jodonnell999]

Time stamps:
0:00 - Christina Twomey describes the application process for the DP25 round.
2:44 - Christina Twomey introduces Penny Brothers.
3:32 - Penny Brothers describes her experience with the New Zealand Marsden Fund, which is pretty comparable. She provides advice on how to prepare an Expression of Interest.
8:22 - Penny Brothers: "The fact that it's much shorter does not ... mean that there is less thought or consideration that needs to go into it."
10:18 - Christina Twomey introduces Catherine Coleborne.
11:11 - Catherine Coleborne discusses what the ARC is trying to fund, the form and content of the Expression of Interest, and tips about getting the balance right.
15:56 - Catherine Coleborne: "..unless it's actually really changing the way we think about the problem or the question in that discipline, it isn't necessarily innovative."
21:53 - Christina Twomey introduces Michael Mintrom.
22:33 - Michael Mintrom discusses the intellectual value that can come from a short-form application, the roles you take when you draft an application, and the 'logic model' of the two page document.
30:48 - Michael Mintrom: "...you've got to be showing that you're absolutely aware of what is the cutting edge of your discipline right now and how you might take elements of that and move forward."
33:45 - Christina Twomey - closing remarks.

[@drshanehuntington121]

The Grant Writing Workshops I teach are perfectly aligned with EOI grant applications! :-)

[@user-et2ly3xe3p]

if the aim of Discovery projects is to create new knowledge, how can one ever predict how that knowledge be used for Australian or economic gain. Are we being asked to be spin doctors, the more hype the better???

[@jodonnell999]

Some projects are addressing an existing problem (e.g. homelessness). These projects will have a pretty clear pathway to impact. Other projects (e.g. pure maths) will help to develop research capacity in a particular area, and train people in particular areas to a very high degree. I think that this is what Michael Mintrom is saying when he talks about research capacity at 33:15.

[@marcush2461]

Nevertheless, I believe the benefit section, since it was first brought into DPs, has had a detrimental impact on fundamental research in Australia. Clear, detailed impacts are much easier to mark positively than vague, longer term benefits. ERC grants for instance have no such criterion - just scientific excellence @@jodonnell999.