This paper suggests that in the early stage of the fund application, researchers should build up academic strengths, carefully select the topic, fully understand the application requirements, and make clear of detailed applications. It is indicated that particular attentions should be paid on the project title, the application code, the key words, the abstracts both in Chinese and English, the list of major participants, and the budget tables. The main text of the application should be prepared based on the structured sections provided by the Foundation Committee, with the writing strategies to be adopted and recommended by most reviewers. By analyzing the problems observed during the management of grant applications, this paper has summarized the common pitfalls in the proposal writing.

Natural Science Foundation of China  /  fund application proposal  /  fund evaluation