EIBIR hosted a highly successful webinar titled Unlocking Success in Proposal Writing, which attracted over 130 attendees eager to enhance their proposal-writing skills for EU funding opportunities. The interactive session featured experienced project managers, who shared their insider tips and tricks, and was expertly moderated by EIBIR’s Scientific Director, Regina Beets-Tan.
The online event, held on 1 April 2025, was a comprehensive webinar aimed at researchers wishing to secure EU funding. The webinar focused not only on essential proposal-writing strategies but also on critical aspects such as identifying the right funding calls, crafting compelling narratives, and communicating the real-world impact of research projects.
Expert Insights and Inside Tips
Participants were treated to a wealth of knowledge from EIBIR Project Managers, with years of hands-on experience, they provided invaluable insights into how to create compelling proposals that stand out in a highly competitive field.
Tina Kokan provided valuable guidance on how researchers can efficiently navigate the wide range of EU funding calls. Her presentation highlighted the importance of aligning a research proposal with the right funding programme and gave participants practical advice on how to strategically select calls that offer the best fit for their project.
Katharina Krischak shared her best practices for writing clear, impactful proposals. Her tips on how to present a research idea in a compelling manner were especially appreciated by attendees. One of the key takeaways was the importance of structuring proposals to highlight the broader societal impact of research – a critical element in securing EU funding.
Peter Gordebeke offered invaluable advice on how to translate scientific research into practical applications, ensuring that proposals not only meet scientific criteria but also demonstrate tangible benefits for society. His guidance was particularly helpful for those looking to bridge the gap between the laboratory and real-world outcomes.
Interactive Q&A Session
One of the highlights of the webinar was the interactive Q&A session, which lasted for 30 minutes and allowed participants to engage directly with the experts. The Q&A segment was in high demand, with attendees eager to seek tailored advice for their specific challenges in proposal writing. Lively discussions were sparked, giving researchers the chance to clarify doubts on everything from navigating specific EU funding calls to common pitfalls to avoid during the writing process.
Regina Beets-Tan, EIBIR’s Scientific Director, led the entire session, making sure all key topics were discussed and that participants had plenty of chances to engage with the speakers. Her ability to guide the conversation, keeping it both informative and engaging, was instrumental in making the event a resounding success.
A Valuable Opportunity for Researchers
The event provided an essential platform for researchers, both novice and experienced, to refine their proposal-writing techniques. Attendees left with practical, actionable advice that will help boost their chances of success in securing EU funding.
As funding calls become increasingly competitive, this webinar highlighted the need for a strategic approach to proposal writing. For those who could not attend, the webinar will soon be available for viewing, and EIBIR plans to host additional sessions in their webinar series, continuing their mission to empower researchers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
