Researchers depend on financial support in order to test their hypotheses and arrive at significant findings. The ITI provides funding to researchers who apply for one of the organization’s two grant options: small and large. We asked Debbie Bader, Process Manager Research at ITI Headquarters, to tell us how applicants can give their study the best chances of being considered for funding by the ITI Research Committee.
The two research application deadlines represent the busiest times of the year for me. I have to check and process the applications before passing them on to the Research Committee, which then rates each application individually.
Make sure to follow the guidelines
My first job is to go through each application to see that it complies with our ITI Research Grant Application Guidelines. Each year, I receive many applications which are not fully in line with those guidelines. For example, overhead costs are strictly regulated and must not represent more than 20% of the total grant amount. And costs for travel are allowed as part of the study process but not to present final results at congresses or other meetings. Another issue that frequently arises is that if Straumann materials are part of the study, it is often assumed that these will automatically be provided free of charge – contact Straumann and find out if they are interested in supporting your study. It is part of my job to flag any inconsistencies for the Committee, so time spent checking that your application complies with our guidelines is time well spent.
Check out the terms and conditions
In the past, the terms and conditions have also proved to be a stumbling block for some applicants. Many universities have their own requirements for how grants are accepted from funding organizations and any conflict with the ITI’s terms and conditions needs to be clarified ahead of time. Our terms and conditions are provided at the end of the application and are non-negotiable. Don’t forget to sign the terms and conditions before submitting them along with your application. By the way, our online application form is updated every year, so make sure you have the latest version!
At the Research Committee meeting
Every member of the Research Committee rates every single application before the meeting according to defined criteria.
The Committee then discusses each project in depth at the meeting. It does happen that some studies are generally thought to be important but require some changes. Sometimes these may be minor, and the grant is awarded on condition that these changes are made. If the changes required are more broad ranging, the application will be sent back for revision and re-application.
Got an interesting study?
In terms of subject area, anything that clearly contributes to broadening and advancing the evidence base in implant dentistry is important. In addition to this, the Research Committee has also defined a number of priority areas into which it would like to see more applications.
If you believe your study could lead to valuable findings, then you must apply. Keep in mind that the Research Committee has to go through a lot of applications so it is important to be as clear and precise as possible when describing what your study is about and the benefits it could bring to the field.
Now all you need to do is download and carefully fill in the application form – I wish you the best of luck!
