Grant Writing Workshop: Focus on DFG Proposals

Summary

Rather than treating proposal writing primarily as a writing exercise, the workshop focuses on the underlying logic of a competitive proposal: What is the problem? Why does it matter? What is missing in the current state of research? Why is this project the appropriate next step? Why is the proposed approach credible and feasible?

Participants work with proposal structures, authentic examples, DFG requirements, peer feed-back and reviewer simulations. They develop and test central elements of their own proposal, including the research gap, objectives, storyline, work programme and key arguments. Storytelling principles are used to create a clear narrative without compromising scientific precision.

The workshop also introduces generative AI as a practical support tool throughout the proposal-development process. Participants explore how AI can assist with activities such as challenging the project logic, developing and testing storylines, identifying weaknesses, structuring work packages and simulating critical reviewer questions. AI is used as a thinking and feedback partner rather than as a substitute for scientific expertise and authorship.

About Alexander Schiller

Chemist (PhD, Habilitation, Heisenberg Fellow), former university professor, successful applicant of numerous national and international research grants (DFG, ERC, BMBF, DAAD, Foundations). Now full-time trainer, coach, and facilitator for scientists in academia and research organizations.

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