Navigating the Grant Maze: A Transformative Workshop on Research Funding Proposals

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On 31 July – 1 August 2025, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, became a hub of research inspiration and academic energy. The campus hosted a two-day workshop titled “Navigating the Grant Maze: Strategies for Successful Research Funding Proposal”, aimed at equipping faculty members and research scholars with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to write winning funding proposals.

The event began on a warm and vibrant note with the Emcee’s opening remarks, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Parameswaran S., Associate Dean, who highlighted the critical role of research funding in shaping institutional excellence. The symbolic lighting of the lamp was a moment of reflection and hope, marking the formal commencement of the sessions. In his inaugural address, Fr. Justin P. Varghese, Academic Coordinator, spoke passionately about the university’s commitment to supporting innovative and impactful research initiatives.

One of the most anticipated moments was the felicitation of the resource person, Dr. Mallika Sankar, Deputy Director, ICSSR, Government of India, by Dr. Fr. Lijo Thomas, Dean and Director. With her vast expertise in research funding mechanisms and evaluation, Dr. Sankar brought a wealth of insights to the table, making her an invaluable guide for the participants.

Day 1 – Building a Strong Foundation

The first day focused on the fundamentals and structure of research proposals.

  • Session 1 introduced the significance of research, various types, and the purpose of proposals, along with insights into different funding agencies.
  • Session 2 explored identifying research problems and framing SMART objectives, a step crucial to aligning ideas with achievable outcomes.
  • Session 3 took participants through conducting literature reviews and mapping research gaps, ensuring proposals were grounded in strong academic context.
  • Session 4 emphasized research methodology and ethics, addressing plagiarism, informed consent, and integrity in scholarship.

Day 2 – From Ideas to Impactful Proposals

The second day was all about application and practice.

  • Session 5 broke down the key components of a full proposal and engaged participants in group drafting exercises.
  • Session 6 focused on budget creation, realistic timelines, and adhering to specific agency formats.
  • Session 7 offered a platform for proposal review, feedback, and refinement, encouraging participants to sharpen their clarity and persuasiveness.



More than Just Sessions – An Engaging Experience

To keep the learning dynamic, the workshop featured icebreakers, group activities, interactive quizzes, and peer review exercises. These not only enhanced understanding but also built a sense of camaraderie among participants, turning the event into a collaborative learning experience rather than a passive lecture series.

Closing on a High Note

The closing ceremony brought a reflective close to the two days of intensive learning. Dr. Jibrael Jos, Associate Dean, offered concluding remarks, emphasizing the long-term value of such skill-oriented programs. The heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Purnendu B. Acharjee, Coordinator, Research Funding Project and Patent, acknowledged the efforts of the resource person, dignitaries, organizing team, and participants. The event concluded with the National Anthem, instilling pride and unity.

Key Takeaway

The workshop was more than just a training program—it was a bridge between theory and practice, empowering participants with actionable strategies for crafting successful research funding proposals. It also reaffirmed CHRIST University’s dedication to fostering research that matters—not just in academia but in creating tangible societal impact.




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