Mastering the Art of Research Proposals (Part 1): Crafting a Strong and Persuasive Proposal

Join the Black Perspectives Office and the School of Graduate Studies for Mastering the Art of Research Proposals (Part 1): Crafting a Strong and Persuasive Proposal

Are you planning to apply for scholarships or research funding but are unsure how to get started?

This interactive workshop supports prospective and current graduate students from underrepresented communities in developing strong research proposals that communicate clarity, originality, and impact while remaining authentic to their scholarly voice.

Participants will learn how to articulate compelling research objectives, position their expertise effectively, and align their proposals with funder expectations while navigating structural challenges that can shape funding outcomes.

Led by Cecilia Kramer, this session provides foundational tools to help you prepare a competitive proposal for upcoming funding competitions at Concordia and beyond.

What you will learn

By the end of this session, participants will:

• Develop clear and persuasive research objectives tailored to funding competitions
• Learn strategies to communicate expertise and research significance effectively
• Explore approaches to framing research that centers relevant communities, epistemologies, or perspectives
• Recognize potential evaluation biases and develop strategies to respond constructively
• Strengthen confidence in presenting their research vision
• Identify elements that help proposals stand out

Recommended next step

Participants are strongly encouraged to register for Part 2: Peer Review and Feedback Session, where they will receive feedback on a draft section of their proposal in a supportive environment.

Attending both sessions provides the greatest benefit, as Part 2: Peer Review and Feedback Session builds directly on skills introduced in this workshop.

About the Facilitator:

Cecilia Kramar, Ph.D. is the Fellowship Advisor at Concordia University's School of Graduate Studies and a trained neuroscientist whose own career was shaped by competitive fellowships (including the CIHR Fellowship). As a Latina woman who navigated international academic systems firsthand, she brings both technical expertise and lived perspective to supporting graduate students through complex funding landscapes. Cecilia advises on a wide range of national and international funding programs, including Tri-Agency, FRQ, and PBEEE awards, and has guided numerous graduate students to successful applications across disciplines.

Organized by the Black Perspectives Office and the School of Graduate Studies.