Session Summary: This session will provide a high-level perspective of factors that most frequently lead to the rejection of research grant applications. Drawing on nearly 15 years of experience in overseeing national and international grant programs, evidence-based insights into common challenges and critical success factors in the funding process will be presented. Using data and applied examples, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how funding decisions are made and how to enhance the competitiveness of their own proposals.
Areas of focus:
- Common causes of rejection include misalignment with funding priorities, insufficiently articulated significance, methodological weaknesses, and concerns regarding feasibility.
- Insights into the evaluation process: reviewer perspectives, scoring criteria, and the implicit standards that shape decision-making.
- The role of clarity, coherence, and narrative structure in communicating the value and impact of research.
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: Identify recurrent errors that diminish the competitiveness of applications. Apply strategies to align proposals with the explicit and implicit expectations of funding bodies. Utilize data-driven insights to enhance the persuasiveness and rigor of proposals. Increase their overall confidence in navigating the research funding landscape.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify recurrent errors that diminish the competitiveness of applications.
2. Apply strategies to align proposals with the explicit and implicit expectations of funding bodies.
3. Utilize data-driven insights to enhance the persuasiveness and rigor of proposals.
4. Increase their overall confidence in navigating the research funding landscape.
Invited Speaker: Tanya Horsley, PhD, MBA
Dr. Tanya Horsley is a leading medical education scientist who drives the national research strategy at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She also oversees the College’s research grants and awards portfolio, advancing high-impact, evidence-based initiatives across the country, and is the Association for Medical Education Europe (AMEE), Grants Network Chair. A global authority in evidence synthesis and reporting standards, she has shaped international efforts to elevate the quality and transparency of research. Increasingly recognized for her expertise in artificial intelligence and medical education, continuing professional development, and educational scholarship, Dr. Horsley is a sought-after speaker and advisor. She has authored nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications and is the recipient of several recognitions, including the 2025 Dave Davis Award for Research in Continuing Medical Education.
Scheduling Note: The Center for Faculty Excellence strives to avoid scheduling conflicts, though some overlap may occur. Most virtual programs are recorded, so please register to receive the recording and any follow-up materials if you are unable to attend live. The CFE follows the GW holiday calendar and does not schedule programming on university-recognized holidays and observances.