What I do, and why having a scientific background is critical for being a good grant writer.

I am a scientific consultant based in Switzerland with extensive experience supporting research teams in biomedicine and health, lately in immunology more specifically, to craft successful grant applications for Swiss, international, and EU funders. I follow and help shape a project from the first idea to the day of submission. 

Principal investigators are obviously experts in their fields. But they also run a lab, supervise students and often teach. Many wish they could dedicate more time to strategically steer their research in an ever-increasing, competitive funding environment. 

A strong proposal needs a clear research question, well-paced, achievable outcomes, and measurable impact; a realistic budget; a detailed plan for risks and mitigation measures; a sound management, communication, and governance strategy; and steady contact with the funder to support all of these. Few researchers have the time and the expertise to build all of that from scratch. I take on that work so they can focus on their research and feel supported.

I start by scanning the funding landscape and strategically identifying which call best fits each idea. Once I have worked with them, I like to offer my clients regular updates on potentially interesting calls.

Then I analyse the research question in light of the call criteria and identify where the project and the consortium, often a budding one at that stage, are strong and where they need strengthening to position the project optimally. By turning the research question into a project plan with a defined timeline, specific and time-bound outputs, and measurable outcomes, I tailor strategies to each project. We draft the scientific sections together with the PIs, including aims, methods, and work plan, and I then draft a budget to match the scientific effort, which often requires multiple iterations to ensure alignment and credibility.  

I also define and check for the feasibility and overall articulation of milestones. I set clear deadlines and review rounds between everyone involved, ensuring a smooth process. I like to send a short Monday checklist of what needs to be done that week to keep everyone aligned. I think through risks and ethics early. I design patient and public involvement that plays a real role in the project, not just a tick-box item. I work with grants offices, technology transfer teams, and external partners. Finally, I edit the full text for clarity and consistency, aiming for timely submission and high-quality proposals.

Three things shape how I work. 

First, my scientific background. I understand the biological and medical questions behind a proposal, so I can spot gaps in the logic or unrealistic goals before a reviewer does.  

Second, experience. Throughout my career as a researcher and project manager, I have supported many applications and projects from idea to submission for different funders and in several countries. I know what reviewers expect, especially in areas where scientists may not be experts: communication, PPI or citizen engagement, management, planning, etc., and where each call tends to trip applicants up. I also have a good idea of what will work and what is most likely to fail. 

Third, communication. A strong idea written badly will fail. I explain complex science clearly enough for specialist and non-specialist reviewers. 

I help researchers shape their best idea, sharpen it and explain it so reviewers understand why and how the project will produce its best outcome. Over my career, I have supported numerous grant applications and managed projects across various funders and countries. It is a scientific partnership, built on the same scientific rigour a strong research question deserves. No consultant can promise funding, but I can make sure the proposal is as clear, well-crafted, and credible as possible.

If you are preparing a grant application at the EU or Swiss level, I would be glad to talk. Write me an email to angelebenardch@gmail.com.