2025 winter call: Clinical Researcher Funding

Guidelines and template for research plan

The research plan is submitted as a PDF appendix on the tab ‘Research plan’ in the online services. Remember to convert the Word file into a PDF (Save as -> .pdf) before attaching it to the application form. Name the attachment file as follows: research_plan_yoursurname.pdf.

Read the call text carefully and familiarise yourself with the review guidelines, review form and principles of responsible evaluation before you start writing the plan.

The maximum length of the research plan is 12 pages.

The paper size is A4.

The font is Calibri/Carlito 12 pt.

The line spacing is 1.

The margins are 20 mm.

The text is left-aligned.

Do not use paragraph indents.

The font size in tables and figures must be at least 10 pt.

Use a single-column layout when writing the text.

The list of references is included in the length of the research plan. The font size in the list is 10 pt.

All references must be added directly into the text, for example as follows: (author(s), year) or [number]. You must not use footnotes.

The maximum size of the PDF appendix is 50 MB.

The instructions, structure and layout provided must be followed to ensure the equal treatment of applicants. Use the headings provided. The application cannot be submitted if the system detects a deviation in the headings, page configuration or structure.

Write the research plan on this template.

Fill in the sections according to the practices of your own discipline.

You cannot edit or delete the headings in the template. If necessary, you may add subheadings.

See the How-to guides for the online services on our website for the technical instructions.

Please delete instructions in blue before attaching the research plan in the online system.

Click and write here: Title of the Research Plan

Click and write here: Applicant’s name

Background and significance

In this section, describe the following aspects:

Significance of research project in relation to current knowledge, research-based starting points

How the project and the methods used are linked to previous international and/or national research (state of the art)

Research premise, aims and objectives

Research questions and/or hypotheses

Please delete these instructions (in blue) when preparing your text.

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Impact

In this section, describe the following aspects:

Outcomes and impacts of research within academia

Expected research results and their anticipated scientific impact

Project’s novelty or added value for science

Potential for scientific breakthroughs and for promoting scientific renewal

Research impact within the scientific community

Effects, impact and interaction beyond academia

Brief description of the appeal, utilisation potential and application areas of the research results beyond the scientific community

For instance, provide a self-assessment of the expected societal impact of the research in the long or short term. Impact beyond academia may come in many different forms depending on the research field and the project. For example, science is a source of wealth and prosperity, but it also improves our understanding of the world and enhances the level of civilisation, supports the development of good practices and informs decision-making.

Read more about the broader impact of research.

Please delete these instructions (in blue) when preparing your text.

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Implementation

In this section, describe the following aspects:

Work plan and schedule

Detailed description of the research to be performed, starting from objectives, scientific references and preliminary data (if available)

Description of research tasks, their implementation and interconnections

If necessary, description of the responsibilities and management related to these tasks

Schedule for project implementation, incl. research tasks and work packages, distribution of personnel resources, and project milestones and deliverables

Research data and material, methods and research environment

Research data to be used, justifications and information on data collection or acquisition, data analyses and use of data, taking into account issues such as intellectual property rights

Research methods and how they will contribute to answering the research questions or confirming the hypotheses, or how they will support the chosen approach

Description of local, national and/or international research environment including research infrastructures. Enter the infrastructures to be used also on the tab ‘Affiliations’ in the online services.

Risk assessment and alternative implementation strategies

Critical points for success, probability of risks, means by which risks can be managed, and alternative implementation strategies

Project personnel and their project-relevant key merits

Applicant’s project-relevant merits

How the project is linked to previous or other research by the applicant

How the project advances the clinical research career of the applicant

Collaborators

National and international collaborators of key significance to project implementation as well as their roles

Justifications for the collaborators, description of what is achieved through the collaboration

Responsible science

Consideration of research ethics, open access to research publications and data, promotion of equality and nondiscrimination in society at large and in the project implementation.

Consideration of sustainable development goals in project activities

Read more about responsible science.

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References

The list of references is included in the length of the research plan. The font size in the list is 10 pt. All references must be added directly into the text, for example as follows: (author(s), year) or [number]. You must not use footnotes.

List the references here...