SABC Proposal Writing-TOSH Oct 2009

Proposal Writing for Sanofi-Aventis Biotalent Challenge : 

Proposal Writing for Sanofi-Aventis Biotalent Challenge TOSH – October 13, 2009 Charmaine Noonan, MSc

Guidelines, FAQs : 

Guidelines, FAQs Ensure you read the proposal guidelines and follow them closely Also read the FAQ section Read the application instructions very carefully before continuing e.g. printed copy, word limit (Max 1200 words = 4.5 pgs dbl spaced) How does this year's project differ from any other projects you have proposed? (approx 200 words) Start uploading a few days ahead of time, giving you time to find info that you are missing, problems if the system crashes Proposal due dates: submission deadline – October 15th, 2009 Final submission deadline – November 15th, 2009 **Keep in mind that you have to print and mail a copy by this date also

Human/Animal-Based Research : 

Human/Animal-Based Research Many submissions are rejected immediately because they propose the use of animals in contravention of the SABC regulations. Please see the section on “Regulations about research involving animals ” (FAQ Section).  You are not permitted to use humans or other living vertebrate animals (birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians) as research subjects for the SABC competition  Can use lower orders (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, insects, plants and invertebrate animals).  Cells and animal parts (including organs, tissues, plasma or serum) purchased or acquired from biological supply houses or research facilities (Bill of sale) If the acquisition involves salvage from another research project, where the animal has been killed for other legitimate purposes in a legal and humane manner, then the disposition to the science fair project must be part of the original research proposal (approved by ACC). Any experiments involving cell or tissue cultures from human beings and other vertebrate animals will be passed through the SABC Proposal Evaluation Committee to ensure compliance with the regulations and restrictions in their jurisdiction, some of which are listed below.

The research proposals will be evaluated by the SABC Evaluation Committee based on the following criteria: : 

The research proposals will be evaluated by the SABC Evaluation Committee based on the following criteria: Clarity and Soundness of Objective (20%) Is there a clearly defined objective that is sound, logical and “realistic to accomplish”? Design and Feasibility of Experiment (50%) Could these experiments provide results that would lead to answer(s) for the question(s)? Are these experiments feasible? Relevance of Proposal (10%) Does this research proposal have any relevance within the broad definition of biotechnology? Skill Level Requirement (10%)What is the difficulty level of carrying out the proposed experiments? Presentation of Proposal (10%)How clearly and well presented is this proposal?

Idea Generation : 

Idea Generation UPEI AVC NRC-INH Holland College PEI Food Tech Centre Neurodyne Inc. What interests you???

Big Picture : 

Big Picture Project idea limitations: Resources ($ and time) Mentor with research in this area Equipment to carry out research Must be biotechnology-related See example in Proposal Devt. “Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer”

Writing Stages : 

Writing Stages

Slide 8: 

What is your question Hypothesis Why is your study important  Significance How are you going to do it  Experimental Design All Research Begins with a Question and Ends with an Answer

Order of Writing Your Proposal : 

Order of Writing Your Proposal Title(6) Objective (1) Introduction (2) Relevant Application (Rationale, Significance) (3) Experimental Design(4) Expected Results & Interpretation(5) Budget(8) Timeline (7) Mentorship support(9)

Title : 

Title Scientifically informative Concise Attractive and easy to understand Avoid acronyms if possible Example: Good: Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer Better: P53-mediated Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer Poor: P53-mediated Retrovirus Gene Therapy for SH-SY5Y Breast Cancer Cells

Objective : 

Objective What question are you trying to answer? (1-2 sentences) Examples: Objective: To determine the role of the RyR3 calcium-regulating protein on survival of an Alzheimer’s Disease mouse model. Objective: To use the marine fungi, Blahblah, to decrease growth of cancerous brain cells.

Introduction : 

Introduction Background information on the organism(s) or process that will be investigated (1-2 short paragraphs) Contains: Information needed for people to understand your proposal. Important and interesting problems still standing. Funnel Approach

Relevant Application : 

Relevant Application Explain how the idea was arrived at Justify why such an investigation is worth doing How could the world benefit from your research?

Results and Interpretation : 

Results and Interpretation Explanation of the form of results and suggestion of possible mechanisms = HYPOTHESIS What do you anticipate the results of your experiment will be, and why do you think you will get that particular result?

Experimental Design : 

Experimental Design Detailed description of experiments, including: Subject groupings E.g. testing 3 different drugs – group a, group b, group c Variables being controlled, manipulated, measured E.g. time of day, delivery mechanism, anything performed by a human hand, sample size, drug concentrations Phase of expts if done in stages E.g. Phase I – test drug toxicity Phase II – test drug efficacy on cells CONTROLS

Appendices: Materials & Methods : 

Appendices: Materials & Methods Detailed explanation of methods & techniques used E.g. protocols, instruments, suppliers, reagents etc. Use sub-headings if needed; at least new paragraph per section List materials, instruments & equipment that your school will be able to provide Include only what is necessary for one recreating the experiment to know

Appendices: Timeline : 

Appendices: Timeline How long will the experiments take from conception to reporting? E.g. December – start stage 1 January – start stage 2 February – all results in March – report draft April – report complete & presentation Sometimes helpful to draw timeline diagram to illustrate this

Appendices: Budget : 

Appendices: Budget Include itemized budget up to $500 in your proposal to receive funding (clarification on amount & necessity of this section) Check scientific websites (ask mentor) for prices of research materials

Appendices: Mentorship Support : 

Appendices: Mentorship Support Include mentor name OR Indicate that suggestions for a mentor are required

Slide 20: 

Don’t Forget to Spell-check!!!