An Evidence-Based Guide to Writing Grant Proposals for Clinical Research

TLDR

Clinical research funding is highly competitive, with only a minority of proposals funded, and patient‑oriented studies receive less support than basic science, making grant writing a critical skill for researchers. The article offers guidance on the grant‑writing process for clinical researchers. It outlines grant‑funding types and sources, gives key recommendations, and identifies frequently critiqued sections to help writers strengthen their proposals. Using this systematic approach makes grant writing more manageable for all applicants.

Abstract

The competition for funds to conduct clinical research is intense, and only a minority of grant proposals receive funding. In particular, funding for patient-oriented research lags behind that allocated for basic science research. Grant writing is a skill of fundamental importance to the clinical researcher, and conducting high-quality clinical research requires funds received through successful grant proposals. This article provides recommendations for the grant-writing process for clinical researchers. On the basis of observations from a National Institutes of Health study section, we describe types and sources of grant funds, provide key recommendations regarding the process of grant writing, and highlight the sections of grants that are frequently scrutinized and critiqued. We also provide specific recommendations to help grant writers improve the quality of areas commonly cited as deficient. Application of this systematic approach will make the task more manageable for anyone who writes grants.