Securing your own research funding
Securing your own research funding
5 October 2026, 9h00 - 13h00
General context
Securing your own research funding is a key step in your scientific career. But with low success rates, it can feel very challenging. A strong proposal takes more than excellent science: it needs a clear structure, a compelling story, and smart strategic positioning. Whether you plan to apply soon or in a few years, this course will help you to build the right mindset to pursue funding opportunities now and in the future.
This workshop gives you practical tools to turn your research idea into a persuasive life sciences grant application. You’ll learn how to structure and write your application, address reviewers’ expectations, and integrate key elements such as risk, ethics and impact. We’ll also explore how AI can support your writing without compromising quality and impact.
After this course, you will:
- Present your research idea in a clear, impactful proposal.
- Structure your application in line with reviewer priorities.
- Address essential aspects such as risk, ethics, diversity.
- Match your proposal with the right funding opportunities.
- Use best practices and selected AI tools to strengthen your application.
This interactive, half-day workshop focuses on hands-on practice. Through real examples, exercises and discussions, as well as with smart use of AI you will be able to refine your proposal, sharpen your message, and anticipate reviewers’ comments.
PhD students and postdocs planning to submit a research proposal in the near future.
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
05 October 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
Technologiepark 75
9052 Zwijnaarde
Belgium
05 October 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
From Ghent Sint-Pieters station, you can take a bus to Technologiepark. Please check Routeplanner De Lijn for schedules.
05 October 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
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.
05 October 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II
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 parking tower. Parking alongside the roads or in other places where there is no regular parking is prohibited.
05 October 2026
Ghent - VIB/UGent FSVM II