GrantLab
A training course that transforms how researchers write proposals
Behind every funding decision is a review panel discussion you never hear. GrantLab lets you inside the review room.
GrantLab uses real projects to realistically simulate grant writing and proposal evaluation. Experiencing the full grant writing and review process from the inside allows you to develop sharper judgement and a clearer sense of what matters. Participants don’t just learn about peer review: they experience it from both sides. This translates directly into stronger proposals and more competitive applications.
GrantLab follows the full life cycle of a proposal, from idea to panel decision.
How the course works
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Two intensive training days, including an in-person review panel meeting;
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3-5 weeks to develop and review mini-proposals, based on real projects;
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Real writing, real reviewing, and real panel experience;
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Individual follow-up.
Testimonials:
“Great course! Trying to put yourself in the reviewers shoes, really gives you a feeling for, how ´spot-on' your application has to be!”
What participants learn
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How funders and reviewers actually select winning proposals – and why;
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How to structure, position, and justify a strong research idea;
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How to interpret reviewer feedback and revise effectively;
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Greater confidence and improved chances of securing funding.
Testimonials:
"Invaluable experience and knowledge for anyone writing a grant."
Adaptable to your organisation's context
GrantLab can be adapted to any specific scenario. We can tailor the course to, for example:
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Specific disciplines or faculties;
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National and/or funder-specific evaluation systems;
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Career stages: from graduate students to professors;
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Online/hybrid delivery for Day 1
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Cohorts of 10-25 participants (ideal)
Testimonials:
“The simulated review panel gave the participants a real feeling of what a proposal looks like in the eyes of the reviewers. I highly recommend the course!”
Who is GrantLab for?
Anyone who wants to understand not just how to write proposals, but how they are actually judged:
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Graduate students preparing their first grant applications;
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Early-career researchers aiming to strengthen their funding track record;
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Experienced applicants looking to sharpen their competitive edge;
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Research managers and support staff seeking realistic, practice-based training.
Testimonials:
"Thank you for a very nice course. It really gives a good understanding of the grant system, and the experience with the review panel meeting was very important!"
Return on investment
Because participants use real projects, GrantLab not only increases participants grant-writing skills; a single grant awarded because of GrantLab pays the entire course many times over, while building sustainable funding capacity at the organisation. GrantLab thus results in stronger proposals, more competitive researchers, and better funding outcomes over time.
Testimonials:
"I just regret not having taken a course like this 1-2 years ago, and I think it should be taken by every young researcher"
GrantLab's background
The GrantLab concept was first developed in 2004 at Uppsala University in Sweden, and was subsequently developed and refined at many universities and research-performing organisations. Experience shows that the training increases success rates not just for the participants in the relevant call, but for the entire organisation for an extended period.
Interested in GrantLab?
We are always happy to discuss formats, timing, and how GrantLab can support your researchers and your goals. Use the form below to get in touch!