For the 2024 Spring Semester, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is excited to present a new series of proposal writing information sessions to improve your grant proposal or fellowship writing skills. These offerings, in partnership with the Research & Innovation Office (RIO), will cover topics not previously covered in OPA proposal writing workshops. If you missed the previous sessions, recordings are included below. Please email opa@colorado.edu if you have any questions.
OPA Proposal Writing: Planning to Write the Proposal
The most competitive proposals begin with a solid plan for narrative structure and content. This writing webinar will cover important considerations such as mindset, knowing your audience, storytelling and narrative arcs, the Heilmeier Catechism, and suggestions for outline and section construction to create a compelling narrative.
Wednesday, January 31
12—1 p.m.
OPA Proposal Writing: Image Use in Proposal Writing
Including the right images or graphics in grant proposals can enhance clarity, relevance and persuasion. This session will cover effective strategies for incorporating images to strengthen the competitiveness of your proposal.
Wednesday, February 28
12—1 p.m.
Postdoc Writing Consults (in-person)
OPA invites postdocs to a limited number of in-person, writing consultations. By submitting a one-page project summary by March 1 to opa@colorado.edu, the first 20 postdocs who register will receive direct feedback from Research & Innovation Office (RIO) proposal editor and writing coach, Jim Mazzouccolo. OPA will be in contact with postdocs directly to confirm the location. Jim primarily supports faculty by helping make grant proposals more competitive, a role in which he has helped secure millions for the university. RSVP by submitting a one-page project summary by March 1 to opa@colorado.edu.
Wednesday, March 6
11 a.m.—1 p.m.
OPA Proposal Writing: Writing for Clarity and Concision
All proposals must persuasively communicate your project in a manner accessible to the reviewer. This writing seminar will cover an approach to writing centered upon how individuals read and writing to the reader. We will cover sentence and paragraph construction, the importance of transitions, and addressing common difficulties which slow or block the narrative flow of the proposal.
Wednesday, April 17
12—1 p.m.