The power of focus: unlocking Horizon Europe success with one exceptional health research idea

In the world of research, even if an abundance of ideas may feel like a blessing, many researchers fall into the trap of believing that having numerous research ideas will increase their chances of success.

But when it comes to writing Horizon Europe health research grants, does the same apply?

In this case, instead, focusing on multiple research ideas or grant applications at a time, often leads to a lack of focus, insufficient attention to detail, and diluted efforts.

Do you really want to play the game without having the best cards in your hand?

In this blog post, we will address this topic and question what is the approach that is more efficient and likely to lead to successful grant applications.

The allure of cultivating multiple health research ideas

It is not uncommon for health researchers to feel compelled to generate and pursue numerous research ideas, under the assumption that having a multitude of ideas will increase the likelihood of achieving significant results and overall success in their endeavors.

The allure of cultivating multiple research ideas stems from several factors. Firstly, it provides you with a sense of security, as you may believe that having a wide range of ideas ensures that at least one of them will be successful. This notion arises from a desire to mitigate the risk of investing significant time and effort into a single research concept that could potentially lead to inconclusive or unfavorable outcomes.

Furthermore, you may believe that by exploring multiple ideas, you will have a greater chance of discovering groundbreaking findings or innovations. With numerous directions to explore, it is possible that one idea may lead to unexpected connections or novel insights, thus providing an opportunity for significant contributions to the field.

Additionally, the pressure to be prolific and maintain a considerable presence within the scientific community can drive you to constantly pursue multiple research ideas. The fear of being perceived as stagnant or unproductive can push you to develop a diverse portfolio of ideas, aiming to demonstrate your versatility and intellectual capacity.

Quality vs quantity in Horizon Europe grant writing

Although you may be tempted to translate the same approach to research grant writing - assuming that a higher number of Horizon Europe submitted applications equals a higher probability of being funded - experience shows that this approach is not efficient.

When it comes to research grant writing, in fact, it is more productive to focus your energy on developing a single, well-thought-out research idea and application, rather than dissipating your efforts across multiple endeavors.

In short, success in grant writing lies not in the quantity of applications but rather in the quality and depth of a single, well-developed project.

When it comes to research funds, you cannot rely on statistics. The number of projects that receive funding, compared to the number of projects submitted in response to a call for proposal, does not tell us this. Horizon Europe calls can be very competitive, so you cannot rely on luck, hope and the law of probability, but you need to work hard to have all the elements to make your health research application an exceptional one.

And what makes an exceptional idea and grant application? CLARITY.

The European Commission seeks projects that are clear on:

• the problems that they are addressing,
• the knowledge and technological gaps to solve them,
• the objectives they would like to realise in the project timeframe,
• the innovativeness of the solution they are proposing,
• the most appropriate methodology to reach the objectives,
• the workplan, the distribution of work and role of each partner,
• the potential challenges,
• the expected results,
• the potential scientific, societal and environmental impacts.

Why focusing on a single project idea is more efficient

It goes without saying that, in order to prepare a proposal with such features, it is more efficient to focus on a single, well-thought-out research idea and application, rather than dissipating your energy and effort across multiple endeavors.

The advantages of this approach lies in the following aspects:

1. In-depth understanding: By investing time in researching and exploring a single research idea, you can gain a deep understanding of the topic and its potential implications. This will allow you to delve deep into the gaps in knowledge, create a robust research design that demonstrates feasibility and rigor and address potential piftalls and risks, thus ensuring no stone is left unturned during grant writing. With a clear vision guiding your proposal, you are better equipped to highlight the significance of your work concisely while effectively conveying its potential impact. This level of detail and focus enhances the credibility of your proposal and increases your chances of success.
2. Clear and compelling narrative: When you divide your time among multiple applications, the clarity and cohesiveness of your narratives suffer. Conversely, a focus on a single application allows you to craft a clear and compelling narrative for your project, which is essential for capturing the attention of grant reviewers and securing funding.
3. Credibility and expertise: Focusing on a single project allows you to establish yourself as expert in your field. By immersing yourself wholly in an area of interest, you can refine your knowledge base and gain valuable insights that set you apart from competitors vying for limited funding opportunities. Grant reviewers appreciate applicants who possess specialized expertise as it demonstrates dedication and credibility required for successful execution.
4. Strong foundation for collaboration: You may worry that focusing exclusively on one project might limit your collaboration possibilities or restrict your exploration of interdisciplinary approaches. However, collaborations can still be pursued within the context of one focused research idea, and cross-disciplinary insights can be incorporated into the project, thus enriching the proposal. In this sense, having a single project idea that is well-thought-out and developed plays a vital role in attracting potential collaborators. If you can clearly articulate your vision and demonstrate the potential for impact, you will garner greater interest from like-minded individuals, fostering robust partnerships that can enhance the overall quality of the proposal.

Conclusion

To excel in Horizon Europe grant writing, it is essential for health researchers to shift their mindset from seeking numerous research ideas to investing in one truly remarkable project concept and application.

In today's competitive landscape where funding opportunities are limited, channeling energy into developing one highly compelling project idea and application offers researchers a strategic advantage by standing out amidst countless proposals vying for attention.

The focus on a single grant application allows them to harness clarity - a crucial element required for successful grant acquisition. Moreover, a single, well-developed, and well-articulated health research Horizon Europe application can demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and passion more effectively than several half-baked ideas.

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