RDInfo

4. Writing your research proposal

Starting your research proposal

• First talk about your research proposal with your supervisor. Your supervisor will advise you on writing your research proposal .
• Consider how you get input from users in the development process (see section 3) and ideally have several involved throughout the development process
• You should contact your proposed sponsor and discuss your proposal.
• The researcher has a responsibility for developing proposals that are scientifically sound and ethical.
• No two proposals are the same, but they will all have a similar structure:
• title
• abstract/summary
• background or rationale of the project
• aims/objectives
• experimental design and methods
• ethical considerations
• benefits of the study
• resources and costs
(Adapted from material by Keith Chantler, R&D Manager, Central Manchester and Manchester Children's Hospitals)
• Key elements in a research proposal (from Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust R&D Resource pack)
• Use the following to check if you have included everything you need in your research proposal:
  'Writing a research proposal: some thoughts to consider'
• Specimen online application forms for grants/awards can be viewed on RDFunding
  • Standard preliminary application form
  • Full application form
  • CV Template
• Guidelines have been developed providing recommendations for reporting various types of research studies. These specify a minimum set of items necessary for a clear and complete accounting of what was actually done. We recommend you consult a relevant guideline in the early stages of research planning. Visit EQUATOR Network  to find a relevant guideline.
• When writing a proposal it is important to consider who will be reviewing it (e.g. for funding and/or peer review),as often it will be scrutinised by lay members of committees. The following offers advice on writing clearly & effectively

Peer Review

• Every proposal for health and social care research must be subjected to independent peer review by experts in the relevant fields who are able to offer advice on its quality and suitability. The following web sites provide reasons why peer review is important
  • MRC Reviewer's Handbook
  • AMRC section on Peer Review has a number of documents to download such as Principles of Peer Review and Guidelines on the Implementation of Peer Review
  • EPSRC section on Reviewing Proposals has sections on Reviewer Forms and Responding to Reviewers' Comments
  • Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology report on Peer Review
• Arrangements for peer review must be commensurate with the scale of the research.
  • Many organisations allow established research teams to determine details of the elements of an overall programme of research, which has been reviewed externally.
  • For student research projects the university supervisor will normally provide an adequate level of review.
• Guidance from the Research Governance Working Group of the NHS R&D Forum

Sponsor Issues

The Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care for the NHS made clear that no research with human participants, their organs, tissue or data, may begin or continue in the NHS until a sponsor accepts responsibility.

• The designation 'sponsor' describes a set of functions for which one of the lead organisation takes on the responsibility. It will normally be one of the following:
  • the lead health or social care organisation,
  • the lead employer of the researchers, or
  • the main funder.
• The sponsor needs to be involved in finalising your protocol to ensure any of their standard systems and templates are built into the study.
• The sponsor must be satisfied that clear agreements are reached, documented and carried out, providing for proper initiation, management, monitoring and financing.

Further Help

• Speak with your supervisor or mentor
• Contact RDLearning for courses and workshops for additional skills and knowledge about writing research proposals
• Contact RDDirect for further advice: telephone 0113 295 1122 or email info@rdinfo.org.uk