Research Grant Workshop: Developing Successful Funding Applications

The workshop provided practical guidance on the University’s application procedures and administrative support, the preparation of grant budgets, and the key factors involved in meeting funders’ expectations. It also introduced the British Academy’s funding schemes and assessment processes.

The programme included contributions from Victoria Patrick, Westminster Business School Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager, who outlined the University’s application procedures and support; Henry Wong, Research Development Manager, who discussed grant budgeting; Professor Sergio De Cesare, Head of the Centre for Digital Business Research, who examined effective grant-writing practices; and Lesley Talbot, Deputy Head of Research Funding at the British Academy, who explained the Academy’s funding opportunities and assessment criteria.

The workshop also showcased two successful funding applications from the School of Finance and Accounting. Dr Tantawy Moussa and Dr Mostafa Hussien presented their British Academy-funded research on modern slavery and corporate disclosure, while Professor Abdelhafid Benamraoui and Dr Issam Malki discussed their QRDI-funded project on FinTech, financial inclusion and economic transformation in Qatar.

The hybrid workshop was attended by 25 colleagues and generated valuable discussion on emerging research ideas, funding opportunities and proposal development. It also led to further support for a proposed British Academy application examining corporate financial culture.

Overall, the workshop strengthened colleagues’ understanding of the research funding process and provided practical insights into developing competitive applications, managing budgets and responding effectively to funders’ criteria.