Course Structure
Using a blended learning approach, DIES ProGRANT is structured in four sections: A self-study section, a remote seminar (Seminar I), a trainer guided E-Learning section, and an on-site seminar (Seminar II).
Online Self-Study
The self-study section will provide basic knowledge and basic technical skills that are needed to design, write, and budget a potentially successful grant proposal on the basis of about 14 learning modules, interactive exercises, and self-tests. The objective is to draw up a three-page draft proposal without workplan and budget that has to be turned in at the end of this section. The workload amounts to approximately 10-12 hours.
Remote Seminar I
Building on the preceding self-study section, in Remote Seminar I the focus is on deepening the participants’ knowledge on drafting proposals so that they’re able to apply it practically to their own projects. The aim is to take the first steps to transfer the theoretical knowledge acquired to the participants’ own project ideas so that these ideas can be both adequately formulated and operationalized within a work plan. Attendance and active participation is required during the entire Remote Seminar I which will be hosted live via Zoom. (6h per day).
E-Learning Module
Primary objective of the E-Learning section is to enable the participants to further develop their threepage proposal draft to a comprehensive 10-page proposal. During the E-Learning section the participants will work on their proposal (including the creation of a work plan and a budget plan) at their home institution and further develop it under the guidance and online counselling of the trainer team. Eleven online modules for self-study will be offered. Each chapter includes additional learning material and exercises. This content is specifically designed to help turn theoretical knowledge into practical skills that will help develop a successful proposal. Additionally, personalized online support will be offered to all participants. This includes a virtual classroom for meetings and discussions with coursemates and trainers. Participants should schedule three hours per week in order to optimize use of the E-Learning modules.
Seminar II
During the second seminar, the grant proposal drafts will be presented, discussed, evaluated and finetuned in a participative review process. The objective of this seminar is to engage in a collaborative feedback process between trainers and participants and ultimately develop a final draft. At the end of Seminar II, the research funding proposals should be ready for submission to research funding organizations. Attendance and active participation from 9 AM to 6 PM on-site is required.
The trainer teams consist of German and regional experts. Grant writing experts will share their knowledge in the field of research funding, subject-specific trainers will provide expertise on the nuances and details of their particular field. The diversity in the make-up of our trainer teams allows us to offer a wide range of specialized expertise to participants.
The courses are offered in English, Spanish, and French (depending on the location).