Tips and tricks to obtain your own funding
Tips and tricks to obtain your own funding
20 October 2025 - 10h to 14h
General context
Most scientists find their own funding by applying for grants. Obtaining such a grant is not simple: the success rate is low and writing a proposal takes a lot of time and effort. Obtaining a competitive grant in life sciences requires you to formulate a bold biological question, to write down your ideas in a structured and clear manner, to build a strong research plan, and cope with deadlines. This is where this course comes in.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Formulate a clear, compelling abstract that highlights the originality and relevance of their research idea.
- Structure a strong research proposal that aligns with what reviewers typically look for in life sciences grant applications.
- Incorporate essential but often overlooked elements such as risk assessment, ethical considerations, and sex/gender dimensions.
- Navigate the research funding landscape and identify appropriate grant opportunities for their profile and stage of career.
- Apply best practices—and selected AI tools—for drafting, reviewing, and improving research funding proposals.
This highly interactive training provides practical guidance on turning a research idea into a competitive grant proposal. Participants are introduced to the key components of a successful application and gain insight into the mindset of reviewers.
Through examples, discussions, and exercises, they learn how to:
- Refine their scientific pitch,
- Build a strong structure,
- Anticipate reviewer concerns.
Additionally, the course explores how AI-assisted writing tools can support the grant writing process. The emphasis is on immediate applicability, clarity, and strategic positioning in the life sciences funding landscape.
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
20 October 2025
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
20 October 2025
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
20 October 2025
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
20 October 2025
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.
20 October 2025
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
from 10h to 12h30: room 04.136 (4th floor)
from 12h30 to 14h: room 04.343 (4th floor)