12 – Four simple steps to write a PhD extension grant application
Explain that you’ve almost built a complete chain of evidence, but are missing a crucial link that would enable publication
A PhD extension grant can provide PhD students with the essential time to secure a first-author position on their paper and to prepare their postdoc under favorable conditions. This type of grant is often a necessity, as many PhD students don’t have publishable results by the start of the third year.
That was certainly my case, and I remain eternally grateful to the FRM (Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale) for granting me a 6 month-PhD extension fellowship. It enabled me to complete my PhD under decent conditions (I still had to finish experiments while writing, which was very hard, but at least I had the opportunity).
So how should you write an application for a PhD extension?
PhD completion grants require a special template
Applications for thesis completion grants are often written like progress reports, especially if prepared by the PhD student. I’m not finger pointing – that’s how I wrote my application too. But now, after 20 years' experience in funding and research, I know that these applications should be written more simply.
That’s because they don’t entail a lot of funding, so busy reviewers would just like to have an easy read for once. Here’s an effective template for a PhD extension grant application in 4 simple steps:
- I have built this chain of evidence;
- But it's missing one link;
- Filling in the missing link would allow publication in a reputed journal;
- Here's my realistic plan to do the experiments, publish, and write my PhD thesis.
You may have noticed the use of "I" instead of the more traditional "we". That's because you're writing a fellowship, i.e. a grant meant for you rather than for a project. This is not the place to be shy – reviewers want to see you own you work. Therefore, use "I" when referring to your work. For work done in common, you may use "we", "my host team", "my supervisor and I"...
OK, let’s see each step of the template.
1) "I have built a chain of evidence"
In a previous post, we saw that an article should present a chain of evidence. So the best way to convince reviewers that you have carried out publishable research is to present the chain of evidence that you’ve built. You should show it on a figure (see tip #2 below) – a picture is worth a thousand words.
2) "But the chain of evidence is missing one link"
Now explain that you're missing one link in your chain of evidence, and show it on a figure. This way reviewers instantly understand why you need funding.
Provide context by presenting challenges or delays you have encountered, and how you have successfully addressed them. For example, if you got a new project started in the lab, which is notoriously hard, reviewers will be sympathetic.
Ok, now reviewers understand that you need funding; you still have to convince them that you’re worth funding. Let’s see how.
3) "Filling in the missing link would allow publication in a prestigious journal"
In a previous post, we’ve seen that the chain of evidence should build up to the paper’s logical conclusion (which should form the title of the paper). So the best way to convince reviewers to fund you is to present the logical conclusion that you can reach without and with funding:
- Without funding: I can only publish a paper with a narrow logical conclusion.
- With funding: I will complete the chain of evidence, and compose a paper with a far-reaching logical conclusion, publishable in one of the best journals in my field.
You should show the chain of evidence that you're hoping to build, including the link that's weak or missing at present.
Visualizing your complete chain of evidence helps reviewers to fund you
4) "Here's my realistic plan to do the experiments, publish, and write my PhD thesis"
Finish with a detailed and realistic timeline for the remaining work, including key milestones such as data analysis, writing, and defense. Mention any increased support or guidance you will receive from your supervisor or committee during the extension period.
Emphasize any arrangement you will put in place to write faster. For example, (briefly) explain that you’ll be relieved from your obligations in the lab while writing the thesis. And if you can write your thesis in a quicker format, mention it (in some countries, you can write your thesis around your publication(s), just adding an overall introduction and conclusion, rather than having to write a 300-page monster).
And that’s it for the application template for PhD prolongation funding!
➞ Just one last thing – should you ask for 6 or 12 months?
Check whether asking for a shorter extension increases your chances of being funded
Depending on the funding body, your chances of approval may increase if you ask for a shorter extension. Contact the funder’s secretariat (by phone or emaiI) to find out. If asking for 6 months rather than a year greatly increases your chances of being funded, consider applying for this shorter funding, even it is not ideal.
Fingers crossed and best of luck :-) !
David
PS: If this post is useful, consider linking it to your website, and let me know at david_at_moretime4research.com. Thanks.