How to write a winning grant proposal
General context
This workshop focuses on finishing PhD students and post-doctoral researchers who plan to submit an individual research proposal for funding within the next 12 months. The funding scheme could be an international grant application for Marie Curie or a national (IWT, FWO, IOF, etc.) grant application.
The key mission of the course is two-fold. First, emphasis will be put on writing a strong abstract to attract reviewers’ attention. It includes individual guidance and feedback on individual abstracts written by the participants. Second, we will learn how to compile an excellent CV (putting your scientific leadership/track record in the picture). In addition, all other aspects of a grant application will be touched upon: objectives, state-of-the-art work packages and methodology are discussed in the light of different evaluation criteria. Finally, we will review some real examples to understand the reviewers mind.
So, starting with limited experience in grant writing, at the end of the course participants should be able to understand basic principles for writing (international) competitive individual proposals based upon criteria for excellence.
The training is highly interactive and explains the basic principles for competitive grant writing. You will get access to several eye-opening examples of how to improve your own proposal.
During the course, you will get feedback on your CV and a short abstract, which we will ask you to submit prior to the course. Also, discussion between participants is stimulated to exchange views.
PhD students and postdocs planning to submit a research proposal in the coming months.
- This training is free for VIB participants.
- Registration fee for non-VIB participants is € 50.
- The course is not open for industry.
- Note that upon no show without valid justification you will be blacklisted for the VIB training program for 1 year. Click here for more information.
Trainers
Lieve Ongena
Senior Science Policy and Grants Manager
Lieve Ongena is an experienced science policy manager with deep knowledge in R&D strategy for the Biotech and Life Sciences sectors. She specializes in guiding researchers through European and international funding landscapes, with a strong track record in EU programs such as MSCA and ERC. Her approach combines strategic advisory with practical training, leveraging real-world examples to enhance research competitiveness and increased success.
Holding a PhD in Molecular Biology (Ghent University, 1989), Lieve advanced her research through European postdoctoral fellowships at Kyoto and Chiba Universities in Japan. She later served as policy advisor and business development manager at Innogenetics (now Fujirebio), one of Flanders’ pioneering biotech spin-offs, before joining VIB as a science policy advisor in 2000. Her career bridges scientific research, policy development, and cross-cultural partnerships, with a unique specialization in Japan–Europe research relations.
Elien Vandermarliere
International Grants Office Manager
Elien Vandermarliere is International Grants Office Manager at VIB, where she leads strategic support for international funding applications under Horizon Europe. She guides scientists at all career stages through highly competitive funding schemes such as ERC and MSCA, combining practical insights with strategic advice to help applicants strengthen the clarity, impact, and competitiveness of their proposals.
Elien holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from KU Leuven (2008), where she specialized in structural biology and protein crystallography. She broadened her expertise during postdoctoral research in bioinformatics and proteomics at Ghent University and VIB, contributing to research projects and mentoring students. Beyond her institutional role, Elien actively contributes to the European research community as a member of the EU-LIFE grants working group and as a reviewer for EU projects. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and funding strategy experience makes her a trusted trainer for researchers aiming to succeed in highly competitive funding landscapes.
Practical info
Ghent - Bio-Accelerator Meeting Center
Technologiepark 21
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
Ghent - Bio-Accelerator Meeting Center
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
Ghent - Bio-Accelerator Meeting Center
Looking for a custom cycling route? Try the online cycling route planner to easily and quickly identify the fastest, safest and/or most scenic route to any destination in Ghent.
Cycling route planner
Shared bicycles:
Several providers are active in the area.
Take a look at their platforms:
- Indigo Weel Pro app
- Bluebike
- DOTT
- BOLT eBikes
- Donkey Republic
There are also some public bicycle pumps at the park.
Ghent - Bio-Accelerator Meeting Center
There is only one entrance to Technologiepark. At the entrance, please take a ticket - Parking is only allowed in regular parking spots (for instance in front of the building) and in the new parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.
Ghent - Bio-Accelerator Meeting Center
+32 9 328 19 02
info@bio-accelerator.com