My Experience at a Seminar on Research and Grant Funding Dr. T. Ram Prabhu
Swarnam Shanmugam
Design Thinker and Assistant Professor at SNS College of Technology
Last week, I have attended a seminar on Research and Grant Funding by Dr.T..Ram Prabhu. As a young researcher seeking to launch independent projects, I often found the process of applying for grants daunting and opaque. This seminar was an eye-opening and empowering experience that gave me the tools and confidence to navigate the world of research funding.
One of the most impactful sessions was on crafting a strong grant proposal. The speaker broke down the key components of a proposal, including the problem statement, research objectives, methodology, and budget justification. Through real-world examples, I learned what sets successful proposals apart—clarity, alignment with the funder's goals, and a compelling narrative.
Budgeting had always been a challenge for me, but the seminar provided a clear framework for creating a realistic and detailed budget. We were shown how to include personnel costs, equipment, travel, and indirect costs while ensuring transparency and accuracy.
A session on collaborations emphasized the importance of forming interdisciplinary teams to strengthen funding applications. Networking activities during the seminar allowed me to meet researchers from other fields, some of whom shared similar research goals. These interactions planted seeds for potential collaborative projects.
The seminar concluded with insights into how funding applications are evaluated. I learned about the importance of addressing reviewer criteria and how to anticipate and preempt potential criticisms in my application.
I would like to Thank the team IQAC for arranging us with the session.