The Big10+ Research Development Series provides domestic and international postdocs and graduate students across disciplines with webinars related to grant seeking and writing skills.
Do you have suggestions for future Big10+ Research Development Series topics? Let us know.
Questions or want to request access the resources from these events? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu).
Upcoming Events
Writing a Standout Research Story
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 1 – 3 PM CT. Session on Zoom.
An effectively communicated research story is the most critical piece of any funding application. But most researchers find it challenging to write clearly—much less persuasively—about complex, not-yet-completed projects for a reviewer audience. Drawing on example abstracts, aims, and approaches, this session will break down the must-haves of a compelling proposal and your path to get there. Join us to discover how to:
- Distill your big project into a tiny abstract
- Craft a research strategy that reviewers enjoy reading
- Optimize your drafting process, with or without AI
- Gain a clearer research vision from the writing process
About the speaker: This workshop will be presented by Alicia Williams, PhD, Science Editor at the Morgridge Institute for Research in Madison, WI.
Register here. Questions? Contact Alyssa Leystra (aleystra@wisc.edu).
Previous Events in 2025-26 Series
Writing Confidently: Strategies for Success
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 1 – 3 PM CT. Session on Zoom.
Are you struggling to finish a writing project? Although writing is a fundamental part of the research process, researchers at all levels struggle to carve out time and space for effective writing. Grounded in academic writing scholarship, this event offers practical approaches to help you shift your perspective and approach writing with renewed confidence. Join us in this workshop to:
- Embrace your identity as a writer to strengthen your self-assurance
- Discover how understanding your audience can make your writing more impactful
- Reflect on what to adjust or refine in your personal writing habits
- Explore proven strategies to overcome procrastination and build momentum
About the speaker: This workshop will be presented by Emily Sferra Kapela, MA, Program Specialist for Career & Professional Development at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Want a copy of the materials from the webinar? Contact Alyssa Leystra, PhD (aleystra@wisc.edu).
Getting Personal in Your Grant and Fellowship Applications
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 1 – 3 PM CT. Session on Zoom.
Most researchers find it easier to talk about their research than themselves but grant and fellowship applications often require a strong personal statement. During this session, we will examine examples of the genre and share strategies for crafting an effective personal statement that supports your research proposal. Whether you’re applying for a standard research grant, a fellowship, or other postdoc opportunities, the best practices we cover will help you stand out.
About the speaker: This workshop is presented by Dr. Linda Macri, Director of Academic and Professional Development and the Center for Writing and Oral Communication in the University of Maryland College Park’s Graduate School.
Want a copy of the materials from the webinar? Contact Alyssa Leystra, PhD (aleystra@wisc.edu).
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