Consultations with Grant Strategist

Dr. Elaine L. Lee supports investigators at all stages of the grant writing process and especially focuses on the scientific narrative (e.g., Specific Aims, Research Strategy, Abstract, Narrative, Introduction to Resubmission, Contributions to Science in NIH Biosketches). Dr. Lee can assist investigators with the following activities:

  • Copyediting and proofreading: Proposals can be corrected for grammar, spelling, syntax, and formatting errors. Request at least 1 week prior to SP deadline.
  • Provide critical feedback: Recommendations can be made to fill in gaps in logic arguments and narrative flow. Request at least 1 month prior to SP deadline.
  • Consult on overall grant writing process: PIs writing their first grants can receive help through the entire grant writing process, from developing Specific Aims to evaluating study designs for the Research Strategy. Request at least 4 months (preferably 6 months) prior to SP deadline.
  • Help with a resubmission: PIs can get help formulating an approach that increases chances of success and ensures proposals respond appropriately to Summary Statement critiques. Request at least 2 months (preferably 3 months) prior to SP deadline.
  • Coordinate and respond with internal consistency on a large/multi-PI grant. Request at least 6 months (preferably 1 year) prior to SP deadline.

**Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Per the Dean, assistance will be prioritized according to amount of facilities & administration fees that Chobanian & Avedisian SOM will receive. Requests made after PD’s time frame will be taken ad hoc at the discretion of PD.**

Please note that SP requires all documents to be submitted at least 5 business days before the submission deadline.

If you are a Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine investigator and would like to use the services of PD’s Grant Strategist, please fill out the form here.

If you are NOT affiliated with Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, BU’s Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI) also offers grant writing and editing services here.

If you have any questions about our services, please contact Dr. Elaine L. Lee or PDO Director Julia Huntsman.

How do I know if I’m ready to submit a proposal?

Write a one-page concept paper without jargon that answers all of the questions outlined in the Heilmeier Criteria. If your colleagues can understand it, you are ready to submit a proposal and are eligible for help from the Grant Strategist.

Looking for examples of NIH grants?

These applications were generously provided by the investigators as examples of good grantsmanship. However, these samples may not reflect the latest NIH guidelines or format. Please work with your PD associate to obtain the most recent guidelines for your funding opportunity!

NIAID: Several investigators have graciously agreed to share their exceptional applications and summary statements as samples to help the research community. Sample grants include: research grants (R01, R03, R15, R21, R21/R33), small business grants (R41, R42, R43, R44), and training and career awards (K01, K08, F31). NIAID also provides sample forms, plans, letters, emails, and more. For more information, visit niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/sample-applications.

NCI: Several investigators and their organizations agreed to let specific study sections post excerpts of their grant applications online. Find examples of funded R01, R03, and R21 grants below.

Dr. Elaine L. Lee’s role in PD is to help investigators distill high-level scientific research into clear and concise narratives for audiences from diverse backgrounds. She is especially here to guide early career faculty and principal investigators with English-language difficulties in developing and writing their grant submissions. In today’s uncertain funding environment, there is little room for permitting people to misconstrue the true importance and potential contributions of the research community at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Since joining PD in February 2017, Dr. Lee has helped Chobanian & Avedisian SOM PIs obtain over $75.9 million in total award funds.