Strengthen Your Next Grant Proposal
Preparing a competitive external grant proposal takes time—and having an opportunity to talk through your ideas and receive expert feedback before submission can make that process stronger.
The IBACS External Application Review (EAR) Program provides UConn faculty with a structured opportunity to receive feedback on developing NIH and NSF proposals from experienced UConn faculty and an external reviewer with relevant expertise.
EAR is more than a proposal review.
The process is designed to give investigators an opportunity to discuss their proposal, ask questions, receive constructive feedback, and identify ways to strengthen the final application. Panelists can also facilitate mock interviews for in-development proposals and provide tailored mentoring related to grant writing. EAR is flexible – we can review the materials for which you are most eager to get feedback!
What can you get from EAR?
- Expert perspective from UConn faculty or external reviewers with relevant domain expertise.
- Constructive feedback on your proposal and recommendations for strengthening the final application.
- An opportunity to discuss your ideas, ask questions, and talk through areas of uncertainty.
- Tailored mentoring related to grant writing and proposal development.
- Early feedback that gives you time to revise before your submission deadline.
You do not need a complete grant application to request an EAR review.
For an EAR request, your proposal should include a draft of the Specific Aims for an NIH application or a Project Description for an NSF application. If you have some other form of materials on which you would like to request feedback, submit an application describing your situation.
Who can participate?
EAR is available to UConn faculty who are IBACS affiliates and are preparing a new or revised NIH, NSF, or other external application. If you are not yet an IBACS affiliate, you can complete the affiliate membership form before submitting an EAR request.
Plan ahead
EAR requests are accepted on a rolling basis, and earlier requests are encouraged. Investigators should submit an EAR request approximately 6 weeks before the grant deadline; the advisory committee meets approximately 4 weeks before the deadline. IBACS will identify appropriate reviewers within two weeks after the request form is submitted. Starting early allows you more time to consider the feedback and make revisions before submission.
Ready to strengthen your next proposal?
Learn more about the IBACS External Application Review Program and submit a request:
External Application Review Program
Questions? Contact ibacs@uconn.edu.
We encourage investigators to engage with EAR early in the proposal development process so there is time to use the feedback, revise, and strengthen the submission.