letter of support for research project

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How to Write an Effective Letter of Support

Letters of support from collaborators and consultants.

The following suggestions are for grant proposal letters of support from consultants and collaborators. Funding agency guidelines (e.g. NIH , NSF , other) and funding opportunity requirements take precedence over these suggestions.

If you need a letter of support, we recommend that you offer to draft the letter for your collaborator(s)/consultant(s). Providing a draft will help achieve two important outcomes:

• That the letter of support will contain all of the information you need, and
• That you will get the letter back from your collaborator(s)/consultant(s) in a timely fashion, assuming you give them enough lead time. We suggest 2-3 weeks.

Drafting your own letters of support also serves another important purpose. It can give both parties an early warning of unrealistic expectations. It is a vehicle for negotiating exactly what services, reagents, or expertise will be provided to support your work. Note that drafts of Letters of Support may need to be reviewed for compliance by the appropriate Tufts office before sending to your collaborator(s)/consultant(s).

The goals of a letter of support are to:

• Specify what the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) will contribute to the research
• Convince the reviewer that the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) will fulfill the request
• Convey enthusiasm for the work
• Lend credibility to your proposal

Letters of support should:

• Be unique and written from the point of view of your collaborator(s)/consultant(s)
• Be on institutional letterhead and signed by the appropriate party (someone authorized to make the commitment of support)
• Be addressed either to the PI of the proposal or to the granting agency – check the guidelines of the specific grant and/or agency
• Be focused on requested topics and not contain details that are expected to be in the research description section (this is required by NIH and a good idea for most agencies)
• Address any specific guidelines (e.g., particular assurances) required by the funding agency or the university, as outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) or as requested by your Research Administrator.
• 2020 NIH Research Forms F indicate that letters of support from consultants should include rate/charge for consulting services, level of effort, and if access to core facilities will be provided as a fee-for-service.
• Most NSF letters of collaboration have a specific, one-sentence, template that should be used unless the solicitation states otherwise; see the 2020 NSF PAPPG .

Be sure to follow all FOA, funding agency, and Tufts University guidelines. Beyond that, as long as your letter demonstrates specifically what your collaborator(s)/consultant(s) will be contributing to the project, there is no one way to draft a strong letter of support. One format that you might consider in the absence of specific agency guidelines follows.

Example Letter of Support Format

First Paragraph  (1-3 sentences)

• Statement of support for the project/research – use words that convey enthusiasm
• Identify the research project by name/title

Examples: “I am pleased to support your research proposal titled xxxx.” “Your proposal to do xxxx has my enthusiastic support.”

Body Paragraphs  (1-3 paragraphs, or more as necessary)

• If applicable, state how the goals/research of the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) are well-aligned with the goals of the proposed research. What is the collaborator’s motivation to work with you?
• State as specifically as possible the role of the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) in the project.
• What is their relevant experience/expertise? Have they previously worked on a similar project? Do they have a successful track record?
• Do they have specialized equipment or reagents? Other resources?
• If you have worked with this collaborator before, be sure to say so! It demonstrates that a productive relationship has already been established.
• Be sure to include all information required by the funding agency; for example, for NIH, the rate or charge and level of effort for consultant services.

Last Paragraph  (1-3 sentences)

• Include a cordial closing. The level of formality should be determined by the level of personal relationship between the PI and the collaborator(s)/consultant(s). If you know each other very well, it can be less formal.

Examples: “I look forward to collaborating with you on this work.” “Best of luck with your grant application.”

Last updated: May 2020                                                     

Source: OVPR Research Development , Tufts University

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Writing a Letter of Support for Grants: Examples and Frameworks | Grantboost

Asking for a grant can be a daunting process. You know that the competition is fierce, and the Grantor’s organization is looking for the best and brightest. You need a team behind you that is as dedicated and committed to your cause as you are. That’s where letters of support come in.

What Is A Letter of Support?

Who normally writes a letter of support, how long should a letter of support be.

• Letter of Support Frameworks

Problem, Solution, and Impact Framework

Personal connection framework.

• Evidence Based Framwork
• Letter of Support for Grants Templates

Examples of Letters of Supports for Grants

• Writing Letters of Support for Grants w/ AI

A letter of support (not to be confused with a Letter of Inquiry ) is a document that advocates for a project, program, or organization and is typically written by an individual or organization outside of the project or organization itself. It is used to supplement a grant proposal and provides additional evidence to support the proposal’s objectives, methods, and potential impact. The letter of support should emphasize the writer’s personal connection to the project and highlight the project’s importance and potential benefits. The letter should be persuasive, clearly written, and provide examples of how the project can make a difference in people’s lives.

Letters of support are a powerful tool in your grant application arsenal. They provide evidence that your project has the backing of respected professionals, organizations, and individuals. They demonstrate that your proposal is not just your own opinion, but that it is supported by the wider community. Most importantly, they show that you have a plan that others are bought into as well.

A letter of support is usually written by an individual or organization outside of the project or organization seeking funding. This can include community leaders, elected officials, experts in the field, or organizations with a similar mission or interest. The writer of the letter should have a personal connection to the project and be able to speak to its importance and potential impact.

It is important to choose a writer who is well-respected and influential in the community, as their support can add credibility to the project and increase the chances of funding. Additionally, the writer should have a clear understanding of the project’s goals, methods, and expected outcomes, as they might be asked to provide specific examples of how the project has made a difference in the community.

In some cases, the grant organization may provide guidelines for who can write a letter of support and what should be included. It is important to carefully review these guidelines and ensure that the writer is able to meet the requirements outlined by the grant organization.

When it comes to the length of a letter of support, there isn’t a strict rule. As a general guideline, it should be no longer than one page, two at the absolute max. The most important thing is to make sure that your letter is concise and to the point. A letter that is too long may be overwhelming and lose the attention of the reader. On the other hand, a letter that is too short may not provide enough detail to convince the grant organization of the merits of your project. This should give you enough space to provide all the necessary details while keeping the letter short and sweet.

Frameworks You Can Use When Writing a Letter of Support

Advocates can follow different frameworks when writing a letter of support. One popular framework is the “Problem, Solution, and Impact” model. In this framework, the letter first introduces the problem that the project is addressing, then outlines the solution proposed by the project, and finally discusses the expected impact of the project. This framework is useful because it presents a clear narrative that connects the problem with the solution and the expected outcome.

Another framework is the “Personal Connection” model, which emphasizes the personal connection between the writer of the letter and the project or organization. This framework can be particularly effective when the writer has a personal relationship with the project or organization, as it can add a sense of authenticity and credibility to the letter.

A third framework is the “Evidence-Based” model, which focuses on providing evidence to support the project’s goals and expected outcomes. This framework typically includes data and statistics that demonstrate the need for the project and the expected impact it will have.

Regardless of the framework chosen, it’s important to keep the focus on the project and its goals. The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, with a persuasive tone that highlights the project’s importance and potential impact.

The problem, solution, and impact model is a framework that can be used when writing a letter of support for a grant opportunity. This model is particularly effective in highlighting the need for the proposed project, the unique solution being offered, and the potential impact of the project on the community or field.

The components that make up this framwork are:

Problem: The first component of the framework is to clearly identify the problem or need that the project is addressing. This can include data and statistics to support the argument that the problem is significant and widespread. The writer should also explain why the problem is important and how it affects the community or field.

Solution: The second component of the framework is to explain the unique solution that the project is offering. This can include a description of the methods, techniques, or strategies that will be used to address the problem. The writer should also explain why this solution is effective and how it differs from other approaches that have been tried in the past.

Impact: The third and final component of the framework is to discuss the potential impact of the project on the community or field. This can include both short-term and long-term impacts, as well as any specific outcomes or goals that the project aims to achieve. The writer should also explain why the proposed project is likely to be successful and how it will make a difference in people’s lives.

By using the problem, solution, and impact model, the writer can provide a clear and compelling case for why the project is needed, how it will work, and what the potential benefits will be.

Ready to try the Problem, Solution and Impact Model for your letter of support? Check out our template and start crafting your compelling letter today.

The personal connection model is a framework for writing a letter of support that emphasizes the writer’s personal connection to the project or organization. This framework can be particularly effective when the writer has a strong relationship with the project or organization, as it can add a sense of authenticity and credibility to the letter.

The personal connection model typically includes several key components:

Introduction: The letter starts with an introduction that establishes the writer’s relationship to the project or organization. This can include how the writer first became involved with the project, why they believe in the project’s goals, and any personal experiences that have influenced their support.

Personal anecdotes: The letter includes a short personal anecdote or story that illustrate the writer’s connection to the project or organization. These anecdotes can be powerful in demonstrating the importance and impact of the project, as they provide concrete examples of how the project has made a difference in people’s lives.

Emotional appeal: The letter makes an emotional appeal to the reader by highlighting the writer’s passion and commitment to the project or organization. This can include expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be involved with the project and conveying a sense of urgency about the need for funding.

Call to action: The letter concludes with a call to action that encourages the grant organization to fund the project. This can include a clear statement of the project’s goals and expected outcomes, and an invitation to the reader to contact the writer for more information.

When using the personal connection model, it’s important to strike a balance between personal anecdotes and a persuasive tone that highlights the project’s importance and potential impact. The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on how the project will benefit the community or achieve its goals. By emphasizing the writer’s personal connection to the project, the personal connection model can be an effective way to persuade grant organizations to fund important projects.

Click here to access our Personal Connection Model template and start writing your letter of support faster, today.

Evidence Based Framework

The evidence-based model is another framework that can be used when writing a letter of support for grants. This model focuses on presenting evidence to support the need for the proposed project and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. Here are the components that make up a successful evidence-based letter of support:

Background: The first component of the framework is to provide background information on the issue or problem being addressed by the proposed project. This can include data, statistics, and research studies that support the argument that the issue is significant and widespread.

Evidence: The second component of the framework is to provide evidence to support the effectiveness of the proposed solution. This can include studies, research articles, or other types of evidence that demonstrate the potential impact of the proposed project.

Expertise: The third component of the framework is to highlight the expertise of the individuals or organizations involved in the proposed project. This can include descriptions of the qualifications and experience of the project team, as well as any relevant partnerships or collaborations that have been established. Outcomes: The final component of the framework is to describe the specific outcomes or goals that the proposed project aims to achieve. This can include both short-term and long-term outcomes, as well as any specific metrics that will be used to measure success.

By using the evidence-based model, the writer can provide a compelling case for the need for the proposed project and the effectiveness of the proposed solution. This framework can be especially effective when used in combination with other types of evidence, such as personal anecdotes and expert testimonials, to support the argument. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the language used in the letter is clear, concise, and easy to understand, as well as tailored to the specific audience and purpose of the grant application.

Ready to try the Evidence Based Model for your letter of support? Click here to access our template and start crafting a strong, evidence-based argument to support your grant application!

Letters of Support For Grants Templates

If you’re struggling with writing your own letter of support, we encourage you to try some of the templates we’ve provided below. By using them as a guide, you can craft a compelling letters of support that will strengthen any grant application and increase the chances of securing funding.

Problem, Solution, and Impact Template

Dear [Funder’s Name], I am writing in support of [Name of the organization] and their proposed [Name of the project/program]. As someone who is passionate about [Relevant issue], I believe this project has the potential to make a real impact in our community. The problem we are facing is [Brief description of the issue or problem], which has had a negative impact on our community by [Impact of the problem]. This is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. Fortunately, [Name of the organization] has developed an innovative and effective solution to this problem. By [Briefly describe the proposed solution], we can address this issue and make a real impact in our community. The potential impact of this project is significant. [Statistics or data that support the impact of the proposed solution]. If we can successfully implement this project, we can [Positive outcomes that will result from the project]. I strongly believe that [Name of the project/program] is the right solution for our community. [Name of the organization] has a proven track record of success and has the experience and expertise to execute this project with excellence. Thank you for considering this proposal. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Personal Connection Template

Dear [Funder’s Name], I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for [Name of the organization] and their proposed [Name of the project/program]. As someone who has experienced the [Relevant issue], I can personally attest to the urgent need for this project in our community. The team at [Name of the organization] understands the challenges that individuals like me face every day. They have been a trusted resource and source of support for me, and I am grateful for their work. The [Name of the project/program] has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people like me. By [Briefly describe the proposed solution], this project will provide critical support to those in our community who are most in need. I believe that [Name of the organization] is uniquely positioned to execute this project with excellence. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to this issue are unparalleled. I am proud to support [Name of the organization] and their efforts to make our community a better place. I hope that you will join me in supporting this important project. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Evidence-based Template

Dear [Grantor Name], I am writing this letter in support of [Organization Name] and their proposed project [Project Name]. As [Your Position] of [Your Organization Name], I have had the privilege of working alongside the [Organization Name] team and can attest to their expertise in [Field/Area of Work]. The need for [Project Name] is significant and widespread in the [Community/Population] we serve. [Insert statistics or data that supports this claim]. The proposed solution put forth by [Organization Name] has the potential to make a real impact in [Community/Population] and address the issue at its root cause. In support of the proposed solution, I would like to highlight [Insert evidence, such as studies or research articles, that demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution]. Additionally, the expertise of the [Organization Name] team is unparalleled in the [Field/Area of Work]. They have a proven track record of success in [Insert examples of previous projects or initiatives that demonstrate expertise]. The specific outcomes and goals of the proposed project include [Insert short-term and long-term outcomes that the project aims to achieve], with a specific focus on [Insert metrics that will be used to measure success]. I wholeheartedly endorse the proposed project [Project Name] by [Organization Name] and believe that it has the potential to make a lasting impact in the [Community/Population] we serve. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Letter of Support Example: Personal Connection Framework :

Dear John Doe, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Women’s Health Initiative and their proposed Breast Cancer Survivor Support Program. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I can personally attest to the urgent need for this program in our community. The team at the Women’s Health Initiative understands the challenges that individuals like me face every day. They have been a trusted resource and source of support for me, providing critical emotional and physical support during my journey. The Breast Cancer Survivor Support Program has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of survivors in our community. By providing access to counseling, support groups, and educational resources, this program will help women navigate the challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I believe that the Women’s Health Initiative is uniquely positioned to execute this program with excellence. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to women’s health are unparalleled. I am proud to support the Women’s Health Initiative and their efforts to make our community a better place. I hope that you will join me in supporting this important program. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jane Doe ”

Letter of Support Example: Evidence Based Framework :

Dear John, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed Literacy for All program, which I believe will have a significant impact on improving the literacy rates in our community. The need for this program is evident from the alarming statistics that indicate that nearly 50% of the adult population in our community lacks basic literacy skills. The Literacy for All program is based on a wealth of research that demonstrates the importance of early childhood literacy interventions, particularly for children from low-income families. Studies have shown that children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are more likely to struggle academically, drop out of school, and face a range of social and economic challenges later in life. The proposed program includes evidence-based strategies such as providing high-quality literacy instruction, offering family literacy programs, and providing access to books and other resources. It is designed to reach children and families in the most vulnerable communities in our area, where the need is greatest. The Literacy for All program has the potential to transform the lives of thousands of children in our community. By improving literacy skills at an early age, we can help set these children on a path toward success in school and in life. I urge you to support this vital program and invest in the future of our community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Ezenwa ”

Writing Letters of Support w/ AI

At Grantboost, we’re excited to announce the upcoming release of our cutting-edge Proposal generator to the beta stage. It’s a game changer in the world of grant writing, and we’re confident that it will revolutionize the way you write letters of support. With its intuitive design and powerful AI technology, you’ll be able to generate compelling, persuasive letters in minutes. We’re offering it for free to our beta users, so you can see for yourself just how effective it is. This is just the beginning of what Grantboost has in store for the grant writing community, and we can’t wait to see how our technology will help you secure the funding you need to make a difference.

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Learn How to Write a Persuasive Letter of Support for Grant

Acquiring funds for your research is an important milestone for every researcher. As the deadline for submitting the grant proposal approaches, there’s a sense of fear that engulfs you into thinking that your application is probably not the best one. While every element of your grant proposal is important to the reviewer, your letter of support for the grant has a potential to strengthen their belief in your research idea. A letter of support may probably not clinch the funding; however, it could make your grant proposal more competitive, especially when it is written by highly influential and renowned individuals or organizations.

What is a Letter of Support for Grant?

A letter of support is a document used to validate the credibility of your research through a third-party testimonial. This testimony should back up your claims of success as well as the promises to deliver results.

The letter implies that other organizations or funders think your proposal has merit. It signifies that your project has the potential of delivering proposed results. In addition, it provides a compelling and persuasive reason for a funder to support your grant proposal .

Who Should Write a Letter of Support for Grant?

Letters of support play a major role in determining whether or not your research project is worthy of funding . Therefore, it is important to identify the right people to write it.

A letter of support can be written by:

• A partner organization
• A major funder
• Another foundation
• A congressional representative
• An outside business such as professional grant writing services
• A key stakeholder

Furthermore, it could be from community leaders who believe in your project, or from people who will receive the services you propose of providing.

What is the Purpose of a Letter of Support for Grant?

A letter of support for grant helps in determining whether your project is worthy of funding.

The purpose of a letter of support is-

• Firstly, to establish a level of credibility
• Secondly, to demonstrate commitment to a research project
• Thirdly, to show that the planned collaboration is genuine
• Lastly, to address the applicant’s qualifications and abilities to complete the proposed research

Which are the Four Categories of Letter of Support for Grant?

Ideally, letter of support for grant are of two types:

• Letters from knowledge partners who are supporting the research with monetary aid
• Letters from a person who supports the research idea.However, depending on where the letters of support are sourced from, they are categorized as:
• Community Leaders: Letters sourced from community leaders help in establishing the proposers’ credibility.
• Collaborative Partners: Letters sourced from collaborative partners help in demonstrating that the proposed project will be beneficial to the service community.
• Contributing Supporters: Letters written by contributing supporters demonstrate tangible resources being dedicated to the project.
• Impacted Constituents: Letters written by impacted constituents help the funder in determining the benefits or repercussions of actions.

Differences Between “Letter of Support” and “Letter of Recommendation”

While confusion may arise from the fact that both letters of support and letters of recommendation provide key information for reviewers of the funding agency, there still are differences between the two.

Key Elements of a “Letter of Support” for Grant

The letter of support consists of three main sections: an opening statement or introduction that identifies the project, one or two main body section of the letter to indicate the relationship of the writer to the project seeking funding, and a closing statement to summarize with key points. However, there are some additional sections such as the header and the salutation. Here we discuss the key elements of a letter of support for grant in sequential order of their occurrence.

A Professional Introduction

The first thing one must do while creating a persuasive letter of support is introduce themselves. Writing an attention-grabbing introduction will encourage the reader to continue reading until the end. The simplest way to start your introduction section is to inform the reader—who you are and why they must care?

The Conclusion

Important points to consider while writing a letter of support for grant.

As letters of support can make a significant difference for applicant/s grant approval, it’s important to consider the following points while writing one.

• It must not be longer than two pages in length.
• Mention correct proposal details.
• Provide any additional details or requirements about the project, if necessary.
• Give a brief description about the role of the letter writer’s organization in the project.
• Discuss expected outcomes from implementation.
• Letter must follow a professional format with the original signature of the writer.
• Most importantly, proofread before sending it out to the potential funder.

Example of “Letter of Support”

Janice Clark XYZ Company 1456 Trafalgar Square Hampstead, London, UK. Dear Dr. Clark, I am pleased to be writing a letter in support of the proposal (name of the project) being submitted to the (name of the program) Program by our (name of department) at (name of institution). We strongly support this grant application and the focus on (mention the purpose of the study). As an organization whose mission is to (state the mission of your organization in alignment to the purpose of the research), we know your true passion is fostering the brilliant minds of tomorrow. We admire your initiatives to fund projects that have greatly benefited the research community. We acknowledge the specific roles and responsibilities fulfilled by us in this partnership. (mention your roles and provisions to the funding point-wise). Sincerely, Clara Montero Senior Director PQR Ltd. Southampton, UK

As you know by now, letters of support can make or break the chances of your project receiving funds, it is important to make sure that these letters are crafted scrupulously. Make sure you follow these tips while gleaning your letter of support or writing one for another applicant. Let us know how this article helped you in formulating a letter of support for grant. You can also visit our Q&A forum  for frequently asked questions related to different aspects of research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject-matter experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.

To write a formal letter of support for a funding application, keep the following in mind: 1. Begin by addressing the letter to the appropriate recipient and state your purpose clearly. 2. Provide specific reasons why the project or initiative is deserving of funding, highlighting its potential impact and benefits. 3. Conclude with a positive statement expressing your confidence in the applicant's abilities to effectively utilize the funds for the intended purpose. Remember to maintain a professional tone and adhere to any specific guidelines provided by the funding organization.

In a letter of support for a grant application, express your strong endorsement for the project or initiative, emphasizing its importance, relevance, and potential positive impact. Highlight the applicant's qualifications, track record, and commitment, while also emphasizing the alignment between their goals and the grant's objectives.

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Letters of Support

We recommend that you offer to draft a letter of support for your consultant(s)/collaborator(s) to ensure that all deadlines are met.

By providing a draft letter of support, you ensure two things:

• That the letter of support will contain all of the information you need
• That you will get the letter back from your consultant(s)/collaborator(s) in a timely fashion (assuming you give them enough lead time! We suggest 2-3 weeks)

Drafting your own letters of support also serves another important purpose. It can give both parties an early warning of unrealistic expectations. It is a vehicle for negotiating exactly what services, reagents, or expertise will be provided to support your work.

The goals of a letter of support are to:

• Specify what the consultant(s)/collaborator(s) will contribute to the research
• Convince the reviewer that the consultant(s)/collaborator(s) will fulfill the request
• Convey enthusiasm for the work
• Lend credibility to your proposal

As long as your letter demonstrates specifically what your collaborator(s) will be contributing to the project, there is no right or wrong way to draft a strong letter of support. One format that you might consider follows.

Sample Format

Letters of support should be:

• Unique and written from the point of view of your collaborator(s) or consultant(s)
• Printed on institutional letterhead and signed by the appropriate party (someone authorized to make the commitment of support)
• Addressed either to the PI of the proposal or to the granting agency – check the guidelines of the specific grant
• Address any specific guidelines (e.g., particular assurances) required by the funding agency or the university, as outlined in the request for applications (RFA) or as requested by your Research Administrator
• Follow any other guidelines (e.g., page limits) required by the funding agency

First Paragraph (1-3 sentences)

• Statement of support for the project/research – use words that convey enthusiasm
• Identify the research project by name/title

"I am pleased to support your research proposal titled xxx." "Your proposal to do xxx has my enthusiastic support."

Body Paragraphs (1-3 paragraphs, or more as necessary)

• If applicable, state how the goals/research of the collaborator(s)/consultant(s) are well-aligned with the goals of the proposed research. What is the collaborator’s motivation to work with you?
• State as specifically as possible the role of the consultant(s)/collaborator(s) in the project
• What is their relevant experience/expertise? Have they previously worked on a similar project? Do they have a successful track record?
• Do they have specialized equipment or reagents? Other resources?

* If you have worked with this collaborator before, be sure to say so! It demonstrates that a productive relationship has already been established.

Last Paragraph (1-3 sentences)

• Include a cordial closing. The level of formality should be determined by the level of personal relationship between the PI and the collaborator/consultant. If you know each other very well, it can be less formal.

"I look forward to collaborating with you on this work." "Best of luck with your grant application."

Drafting compelling letters of support for research grant funding

Tips, sample sentences, and a template letter for your research partners.

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I’m an early career researcher, and until now I’ve only ever written CIHR grant applications to fund myself — never to fund a research project. I’ve ghostwritten letters of reference for my research supervisors (which they, of course, edited before signing), but I’ve not drafted one for a research partner before. What goes into a good letter of support? Are non-academics used to having one ghostwritten for them?   – Anonymous, Nursing

Dr. Editor’s response:

Let me tackle your second question first. The answer: maybe, maybe not. When I email a partner organization to request a letter of support, I usually say something like, “These federal funding agencies have specific expectations for letters of support. Would it be okay with you if I draft a template letter for your team to edit and revise before signing? That should minimize the work required on your behalf.” This phrasing, I find, makes it easier for the partner to agree to my drafting a letter for them to review, edit, and sign.

And it is true that the federal funding agencies do have specific expectations for their letters of support: here are NSERC’s expectations and here are CIHR’s (with some examples of well-written sentences); SSHRC has separate guidance for their Connection and their Partnership Grants .

In truth, I use the same template for all letters of support, regardless of the funding agency. Because no matter which funder or what program, letters of support always need to answer the same basic set of questions:

• Who is the partner?
• Why are they keen to see the project be funded?
• What will they contribute to the project? and,
• How will they be involved in the research and knowledge mobilization?

So, what goes into a good letter of support? Here are some of my favourite go-to tips and sample sentences:

Opening reference to the project, principal investigator (PI), and funding scheme:

“On behalf of [organization name,] I am pleased to partner with principal investigator [name] on the proposed [name of funder and funding program] grant, [title of grant] .” The opening paragraph should show that the partner organization knows the details of the project they’re going to take part in, as a true partner should.

Cut and paste from the partner organization’s “about” webpage:

Because your reviewers likely won’t be familiar with your partner and their work, you’ll need to briefly summarize the type of work your partner does. By cutting and pasting from the “about” page on their website, you’ll be drawing on language that your partner has already approved, making it easier for them to review and agree to your draft text.

Alignment with partner’s mission, vision, or strategic priorities:

“ [Organization name]’s support of this partnership aligns with our four values — A, B, C, and D — and advances key goals outlined in our 202X Strategic Plan, including … ”.

Your reviewers want to know that your partner is committed to doing the kind of work described in your grant. Showing your work’s alignment with your partner’s mission, vision, values, or strategy is one good way to provide evidence of their commitment to your proposed collaborative work.

History of relationship with the PI or project team:

“ [Organization name] has been working with [PI or team member name] since Spring 202X, and thus far we have [brief description of collaboration or achievements]. We look forward to continuing this partnership, to [co-developing deliverable X or achieving objective Y], and ultimately to [achieving shared goal]. ”

Reviewers for academic research grants are notorious for wanting to avoid risks. If you’re able to demonstrate having worked together successfully on previous projects, then you’ll appear more likely to be successful in future projects. If this is your first partnership together, then articulate when you connected, and argue why you are well-positioned to be successful in your collaboration (for example, because of a shared vision or goal).

Articulation of importance:

“ [Project title] will address an important need among [partner’s clients or community], as it will [produce general outcome]. As [type of organization/size of company in a particular market], we see [daily/regularly] [negative situation caused by need for project]. Without the crucial work on [topic] proposed in this application, we risk [long-term negative outcome].”

Reviewers will want to know that the partner and the PI share a unified vision for the outcomes and impact of the proposed research. By arguing why the work is important — and, if relevant, why now is a good time to do this work — you’ll show reviewers that all involved in the partnership are clear on what the research will do and who it is for.

Support for knowledge mobilization:

“ In addition, we will share the results of this partnership [or deliverable X] both with our [clients/community] and, to increase the impact of this work, with related organizations in our network through [professional association event, conference, or blog; industry newsletter or webinar series; social media channels].”

Funding agencies will want to know that your collaborative work will resonate beyond the boundaries of your partnership, and partner organizations are often well-networked with colleagues in other regions. Involving your partners in shared knowledge mobilization activities enables smooth communication and a broad reach for your results.

Cash or in-kind contributions:

“In support of this project, we commit to providing $XX,XXX cash to this project ($XX,XXX per year over XX years). These funds will be used to [description of intended use of funds.] In addition, we commit to providing at least $XX,XXX in kind to this project over its XX-year span. These in-kind contributions have been calculated as follows: (i) In Year 1, 10 hours of support to recruit interview participants via social media posts, emails to our XX-person listserv, and announcements at community events x $50/hr = $500. (ii) …”

Every Tri-Agency funder expects to see a dollar figure attached to the cash and in-kind contributions associated with a research project. Ask your partner to provide as much detail as possible about the specific supports they will be providing to this project. You can assure them that no one will audit them to verify whether they contributed 9.5 or 10 hours to any one discrete task. Still, the estimated time commitments that they agree to provide should be as accurate as possible, because your reviewers will want to see evidence of feasibility and experience in this letter.

Statement of overall impact:

“ By working with [PI Lastname] to co-create [deliverable X], we anticipate seeing [improvement or concrete outcome that is achievable within timeframe of grant].”

You’ll want to describe both the specific, concrete impact that your partner anticipates for their clients or community, as well as the broader general impact that your work will have on people and organizations not directly connected to this project. As CIHR notes in their “Writing Letters of Support” guidelines, most of the weak letters of support they have seen have lacked “a description […] of the outcomes or impact that the research might have for the letter writer.” A short paragraph on specific and general impacts is key to a compelling letter.

Closing confirmation of enthusiasm:

“In sum, on behalf of [organization name], we strongly support the proposed application, and hope to see it funded through a [name of funder and funding program] grant. [Optional short sentence describing why this work is crucial and/or timely.] If you have any questions about this letter, please contact [name, title, unit, phone number, and email address.]”

A closing restatement of your partner’s excitement about the proposed project is conventional in letters of support. This short paragraph can be general, but it should use words like “strongly support,” “enthusiastic,” or “excited.”

In short: A compelling letter of support is detailed, provides commitments on behalf of the partner organization, and articulates the impact and importance of the proposed work. In that way, it’s not unlike the modules you’ll write in the rest of your grant application!

These example sentences can get you started, but a great letter of support also answers key questions about why the partner wants to be involved and how they’ll advance the project’s overarching goals. Want to take my template letter of support and adapt it for your next CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC grant application? Grab your copy of my template letter here .

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How to Write a Letter of Support for a Grant: Expert Tips and Techniques

When seeking funding through grants, a well-crafted letter of support can make a significant difference in getting your project approved. In this guide, you’ll learn the ins and outs of writing an effective letter of support for a grant application. From establishing credibility to addressing the needs of the project, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure your letter stands out and makes an impact.

To begin, it’s essential to understand the purpose of a letter of support. Such letters demonstrate your connection to the grant-seeking organization or individual and showcase your commitment to the success of the project. By providing concrete examples of how the project aligns with the grant’s objectives, you’ll help strengthen the case for funding.

When drafting your letter, focus on three main aspects: relevance, impact, and sustainability . Illustrate how the proposed project is relevant to the grant’s goals and the community it serves. Discuss the potential impact and the lives it could positively change. Lastly, address the project’s long-term sustainability to show the grantor that their investment will yield lasting results. With these foundational elements in place, you’re on your way to crafting a compelling letter of support for your grant application.

Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Support

When it comes to grant applications, a well-written letter of support can make a significant difference. This section delves into the essence of a letter of support, elucidating its purpose and impact on the success of your grant proposal.

First and foremost, a letter of support serves as a testament to the validity and significance of your project. By obtaining the endorsement of a respected individual or organization, you’ll show that others recognize your project’s potential and are willing to back it up. It’s essential, though, to choose endorsers who are knowledgeable about or involved in your field.

Another notable aim of a letter of support is to demonstrate community need for your project. Grant committees are interested in funding initiatives that address gaps and solve pressing issues. By including letters from those directly affected by your project, you’ll highlight the extent to which your work benefits and meets community needs.

Moreover, a letter of support serves to bolster your credibility and strengthens your application’s overall merit. An endorsement from a reputable source provides an unbiased evaluation which, in turn, helps the grant committee comprehend the project’s worthiness.

A well-structured letter of support can also strengthen your grant proposal by providing additional information or demonstrating project collaborations. Some examples of valuable contributions include:

• Data and statistics relevant to your project
• Details on how your project aligns with the goals of the supporting party
• Information on resources donated or services provided by the supporter

To arrange these contributions, use bullet points:

• Data and statistics: Showcase the numbers that substantiate your project’s significance.
• Project alignment: Explain how your goals coincide with those of the supporting party.
• Resources and services: List the specific contributions made by the endorser.

In summary, understanding the purpose of a letter of support will aid you in crafting a more persuasive and compelling grant application. By validating your project, demonstrating community need, and fortifying your credibility, a well-written letter of support will enhance your chances of receiving the grant you seek. Remember to convey relevant information, collaborate with strategic supporters, and present it all in an articulate manner while focusing on the core aims of your project.

Identifying the Grant’s Key Requirements

Before you begin writing a letter of support for a grant, it’s essential to identify the grant’s key requirements . This will help you craft a persuasive and targeted letter that addresses the specific needs of the grant-maker. To do this, follow these important steps:

• Research the grant-maker: Familiarize yourself with the organization or agency offering the grant. Understand their mission, values, and priorities to tailor your letter of support accordingly.
• Analyze the grant guidelines: Carefully read through the grant guidelines or request for proposals (RFP) document. This will provide you with crucial information on desired outcomes, project criteria, and eligibility requirements.
• Highlight the main objectives: Based on your analysis, identify the grant’s primary objectives and desired outcomes. Keep these principles in mind while writing your letter to ensure you address key concerns.

To help you streamline this process, be sure to:

• Take note of important deadlines and submission requirements.
• Contact the grant-maker for any clarifications or additional guidance, if necessary.

Once you have identified the key requirements, it’s time to emphasize how your project or organization addresses them. Here are some effective strategies:

• Link your project goals with the grant-maker’s objectives: Clearly demonstrate how your project aligns with the grant’s goals by outlining your specific objectives, actions, and outcomes.
• Highlight your credibility and expertise: Establish your organization’s unique qualifications and past accomplishments. This can help build trust with the grant-maker and affirm your ability to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Showcase your project’s impact and scalability: Provide concrete evidence of your project’s potential impact on your target audience and explain how it can be expanded or replicated in other settings.

When presenting data or statistics in your letter, use markdown tables to make your message clearer. For example, if you want to share details about the project’s reach and impact, you can use the following table:

In summary, identifying the grant’s key requirements is an essential step in crafting a persuasive letter of support. By understanding the grant-maker’s priorities and aligning your project with their objectives, you can increase your chances of securing funding and making a lasting impact.

Addressing the Funder’s Goals and Expectations

When writing a letter of support for a grant, it’s essential to address the funder’s goals and expectations clearly. By doing this, you’ll demonstrate that you are well aware of what the funder is looking for in a grant recipient and that the project you’re supporting is aligned with their objectives.

First and foremost, research the funder’s mission as well as their past giving history. Familiarize yourself with their areas of interest, and analyze their funding patterns. This information will help you understand what aspects of your project to highlight. Some key insights to focus on when addressing a funder’s goals:

• Their primary funding areas
• Types of projects they have funded before
• Any recurring themes in their grant making

Make sure to tailor your letter to the specific funder you are addressing. Show that you’ve done your homework and that you understand their philanthropic goals. This will make your letter stand out and increase your chances of receiving the grant.

To effectively address the funder’s expectations, highlight specific aspects of the project that match their interests. Use concrete examples to illustrate how your project aligns with their goals, such as:

• Sharing successful outcomes of similar projects
• Demonstrating how your project addresses a need within the funder’s target area
• Outlining the project’s potential impact on the community or target population

Use bullet points for clarity and to help the reader quickly grasp the essential aspects of your project. For example:

• Project goal: Improve access to clean water for 1,500 residents in a rural community
• Project timeline: 12 months
• Expected impact: Reduce waterborne illnesses by 30%

Moreover, touch on your organization’s track record and specific expertise within the field. Providing this context will reassure the funder that their investment will be wisely spent. Ensure your tone is both confident and humble. Admit any shortcomings while emphasizing a commitment to continuous improvement.

Remember that funders often receive numerous grant applications, so it’s essential to make your letter stand out. By specifically addressing the funder’s goals and expectations, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a worthy candidate for their support and help to make their decision easier.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

Crafting an engaging, persuasive narrative is a crucial component of a successful letter of support for a grant. In this section, you’ll learn how to create a powerful narrative that emphasizes your project’s impact, supports strong relationships with stakeholders, and demonstrates your organization’s credibility. Ready to dive in? Here are some essential elements to consider.

Showcase the project’s importance : Start by stating the problem your project aims to address. Be sure to make it clear why it’s crucial that your organization tackles this issue. Use specific examples and numbers, when possible, to highlight the importance of your work. For example:

|Problem|Impact|Proposed Solution| |–|-|-| |High school dropout rate|Reduced earning potential, increased crime rates|Implement mentorship program|

Build on existing success : Share details of previous successes and how your organization has made a difference. By showcasing proven results, you’ll inspire confidence in your ability to navigate the project through to completion. Use bullet points to emphasize key accomplishments:

• Increased graduation rate by 10%
• Partnered with local businesses to create job opportunities for students
• Expanded access to after-school programs

Paint a vivid picture : To truly capture your reader’s interest, paint a clear and appealing picture of the potential future that your project will create. Describe the many ways it’ll benefit the community, address pressing needs, or solve long-standing problems. Use language that helps readers imagine the impact your project will bring, like:

Imagine a community where…

• Each student has access to engaging, high-quality education
• Drop-out rates plummet and graduation rates soar
• New job opportunities attract a skilled workforce

Establish trust : To help build credibility, share information about your organization’s qualifications, experience, and dedicated staff. Discuss any affiliations, partnerships, or endorsements you’ve received. Describing your team’s passion and expertise can make a significant difference in demonstrating your readiness for the grant.

Clarify the ask : Lastly, always provide a clear ask in your narrative. Make sure your reader knows exactly what you’re requesting from the grant funder and how that support will be used to unlock your project’s potential. Be transparent about your funding needs, and reiterate the positive impact their contribution will make.

Remember, crafting a compelling narrative takes time, effort, and practice. By including these essential elements, you’ll be well on your way to creating an effective letter of support that could secure your grant and bring your project to life.

Demonstrating the Applicant’s Expertise and Competence

When it comes to writing a letter of support for a grant, effectively showcasing the applicant’s expertise and competence is crucial. By highlighting their abilities and achievements, you’ll make a strong case for why they’re best suited to receive the grant. The following strategies will help you communicate the applicant’s potential clearly and convincingly.

Focus on relevant skills and experience: Start by listing the applicant’s most relevant professional, educational, and training backgrounds. This may include:

• Degrees or certifications
• Work experience in the field
• Training courses attended
• Supplementary workshops or seminars

Make sure to provide context and specificity. For example, mention the institutions where they obtained their degrees, and discuss any relevant courses they’ve completed.

Emphasize past accomplishments: Show the applicant’s history of success by detailing their key achievements, awards, or accolades in the field. Relevant examples might include:

• Published research or articles
• Presentations at industry conferences
• Successful implementation of projects or initiatives

Describe the impact these accomplishments have had and material evidence of their success, such as data on how a project improved specific outcomes.

Highlight collaboration and teamwork: If the grant project requires teamwork, emphasize the applicant’s ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. You can do this by showcasing the applicant’s past experience working in teams, or by providing examples of how they have contributed to group efforts.

Include testimonials and endorsements: To reinforce your points and build credibility, consider including quotes or testimonials from colleagues, supervisors, or other professionals who can attest to the applicant’s expertise and competence. Make sure these testimonials are genuine and specific, as they will help readers form a more comprehensive view of the applicant’s strengths.

Here’s a brief example table providing an overview of an applicant’s experience and competencies:

By following these guidelines, you can paint an accurate picture of the applicant’s skills, achievements, and potential, helping to strengthen your letter of support and improve the chances of receiving the grant.

Highlighting the Project’s Impact and Significance

It’s essential to showcase the impact and significance of your project when writing a letter of support for a grant. This section will guide you on how to effectively demonstrate the importance of your project and ultimately increase your chances of securing the grant.

To begin with, emphasize the benefits your project will bring to the community or target audience. List specific ways the project will improve people’s lives, foster community growth, or address significant issues. Here are some possible benefits:

• Increased access to education or healthcare services
• Job creation and economic growth
• Environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives
• Community building and cultural exchange

Next, back up your claims with solid evidence . Data and statistics are powerful tools in illustrating the need for your project and its potential impact. Gather credible research from reliable sources to support your statements. For example:

When presenting evidence, remember to keep it accurate, relevant, and up-to-date. This will enhance your credibility and show that you’re well-informed about the issues your project aims to address.

After providing evidence, demonstrate your project’s uniqueness by explaining what sets it apart from other initiatives. Why is your approach different from the existing programs, and how will it create a lasting difference? Offer insights on:

• Innovative methodologies or technologies used
• Partnership with local or international organizations
• Long-term sustainability and scalability of the project

Finally, don’t forget to touch on the project’s feasibility . Ensure that you’re able to:

• Execute the project within a reasonable and specified timeframe
• Make efficient use of resources, including staff, equipment, and funding
• Regularly monitor, evaluate, and adapt your implementation plan as needed

By systematically addressing these points, you’ll effectively highlight the impact and significance of your project, which is of paramount importance in securing grant funding.

Providing Credible Evidence and Testimonials

When writing a letter of support for a grant, it’s crucial to present credible evidence and testimonials to strengthen your case. This section will guide you on how to effectively include these elements in your letter.

First, demonstrate the impact of the project on your target audience. Highlight quantitative and qualitative data that emphasizes the positive outcomes of the project. For instance, you might include:

• Quantitative data : Percentage increase in the number of participants served, improvement in test scores, or reduction in crime rates.
• Qualitative data : Feedback from stakeholders, observations, or anecdotes demonstrating the success of the project.

By incorporating these types of evidence, you’ll illustrate the project’s value and boost your chances for securing the grant. Here’s an example of a data table presenting quantitative results:

Next, gather relevant testimonials that can validate the project’s success. Testimonials from participants, partners, and other stakeholders serve as powerful endorsements . When selecting testimonials, consider the following:

• Diversity : Choose testimonials that represent a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
• Specifics : Opt for testimonials that provide concrete examples of the project’s impact.
• Credibility : Ensure the individuals providing the testimonials hold respectable positions or have relevant experience to vouch for the project.

You can use bullet points to present the selected testimonials, as shown below:

• “The project has genuinely transformed our community, creating a safe and supportive space for our children.” – Local School Principal
• “As a participating family, we’ve seen a remarkable improvement in our child’s academic performance and confidence.” – Program Participant

Finally, always ensure the cited evidence and testimonials are reliable and representative of the project’s overall impact. It’s essential not to misrepresent any data or statements, as this can undermine the credibility of your letter and the entire application.

By following these guidelines, your letter of support will be well-rounded, impactful, and more likely to secure the grant for your project. Remember, providing credible evidence and testimonials is integral to a successful letter of support.

Using a Clear, Professional Tone and Format

To make your letter of support stand out, it’s essential to maintain a clear and professional tone throughout. Demonstrating confidence and knowledge in your writing not only strengthens your credibility, but also increases the likelihood of receiving the grant. Here are some tips to help you achieve a well-structured, convincing letter:

• Be concise and specific : Avoid using lengthy sentences and unnecessary jargon. Clearly state your purpose, the goals of the project, and explain why the grant is crucial for its success.
• Address the right audience : Always research the grant provider and tailor your letter to their values and priorities. Using the correct language and addressing their concerns can build rapport with the reader.
• Adopt an error-free writing style : Make sure you proofread your letter and check for any grammar or spelling mistakes. A well-edited letter leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
• Use formatting effectively : To ensure your message is easily digestible, be sure to use bullet points, headers, and numbered lists. Break your content into smaller paragraphs, making it more accessible for the reader.
• Adopt a formal format : Start your letter with a proper salutation and close with a professional sign-off. Include your full name, title, organization, and contact information at the end of the letter.

For instance, if you’re illustrating project achievements, you could use a markdown table like so:

By including relevant statistics or bullet points, readers will have a clear understanding of your previous triumphs. For example:

• Reached over 1,000 individuals
• Partnered with 20 local schools
• Achieved 5% increase in engagement

Additionally, highlighting the importance of the grant can provide more concrete reasons for the funding to be awarded. Consider presenting these key points using a bulleted list:

• Covering salaries for three full-time staff members
• Purchasing vital equipment and resources
• Supporting community outreach programs

Remember to provide a comprehensive overview without overwhelming the reader. By using the above techniques, you’ll be able to craft a clear, professional, and persuasive letter of support for a grant.

Reviewing and Revising the Letter of Support

After you’ve drafted your letter of support, it’s crucial to review and revise it to ensure it’s both accurate and persuasive. Here are some steps to help you refine your document:

• Check for accuracy : Make sure your letter contains factual information about the grant applicant and the proposed project. Inaccurate statements may harm the credibility of your support and the applicant’s chances of receiving the grant. Double-check figures, dates, and names mentioned in the letter, and correct any errors.
• Ensure clarity : Your letter should be easy to read and understand. Simplify complex ideas and use concise language, avoiding jargon and buzzwords that may confuse the reader. Break large chunks of text into smaller paragraphs for easier readability.
• Economic impact
• Social implications
• Environmental benefits
• Community involvement and support
• Highlight the applicant’s qualifications : Clearly explain why the grant applicant is the right organization or individual to carry out the project. Include relevant expertise, experience, and past successes that demonstrate their ability to deliver the desired results.
• Proofread and edit : Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-written letter. Poor grammar, spelling, and punctuation can detract from your message and appear unprofessional. Take the time to proofread your letter and edit any errors or awkward phrasing.
• Get feedback : Share the letter with colleagues or other individuals who are familiar with the project. Their input can help you identify any missing information, unclear language, or inconsistencies. Incorporate their suggestions to strengthen your letter and improve your chances of making a compelling case for the grant applicant.

When reviewing and editing your letter, consider using the following markdown formatting options to highlight essential information:

• Bold : Emphasize important points and key phrases by using the double asterisks ( ** ) at the beginning and end of the text you want to bold. Example: **Important point** will appear as Important point .
• Italics : Emphasize less critical information or quotes by using single asterisks ( * ) at the beginning and end of the text you want to italicize. Example: *Quote from an expert* will appear as Quote from an expert .
• First point
• Second point

Remember, the goal of the letter of support is to bolster the grant applicant’s case. By following these steps, you’ll improve the quality of your letter and increase the likelihood that your support will make a difference in the grant application process.

Conclusion: Submitting a Persuasive Letter of Support

Writing and submitting a persuasive letter of support for a grant proposal is crucial to increasing your chances of being awarded the grant. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to craft a compelling letter that effectively showcases the applicant’s strengths and qualifications.

Ensure your letter:

• Clearly states your relationship to the applicant and your credentials
• Outlines the need for the proposed project
• Highlights the applicant’s achievements and capabilities
• Demonstrates the impact the grant will have on the community or targeted population
• Uses specific examples and data to support your claims

It’s also important to keep your language straightforward and concise, making your points easy for the grant reviewer to understand and evaluate. Edit and proofread your letter thoroughly to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies.

Use statistics and measurable outcomes to support your points wherever possible, as this will add credibility to your letter. Remember that a well-crafted letter of support can have a significant impact on the decision-making process. A table can be an effective way to present relevant data.

Finally, ensure your letter is formatted professionally, and that it adheres to any specific guidelines provided by the grant organization. This demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to carefully review the requirements and that you’re genuinely committed to supporting the applicant’s project.

By following these steps, your letter of support will contribute to a stronger grant proposal, giving the applicant the best opportunity to secure the necessary funding and make a lasting, positive impact.

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• Research Development
• Proposal Development
• Proposal Preparation (RDS)

Letters of Institutional Support

When requested or permitted by the solicitation, investigators have the opportunity to highlight contributions or collaborations by including a letter from the individual, institution, or organization. There are multiple types of proposal support letters including letters of: institutional support or commitment, external (non-funded) collaboration or support, available college/department resources, and available resources for the conduct of research projects (e.g. assurances). Well written letters should reinforce attributes of your proposal, such as the interdisciplinary team or successful mentorship program in place within your department, and align with the proposal narrative. Letters provided by the Provost, College Dean, or Research, Innovation & Impact can also provide and reinforce institutional support for the project and how your proposal aligns with UA’s institutional research, discovery and education mission.

Requesting RII Support for Your Proposal

For assistance on letters of institutional commitment, please contact Research Development Services . Please note that in order to provide the best service, requests should be made at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline. To ensure the best service, include the following information in your request: 

• Name of the program to which you are applying
• Link to the solicitation (or attach a PDF of the solicitation to the request)
• Submission deadline of the program to which you are applying
• Your final proposal title
• A brief abstract of your proposal
• Description of the solicitation requirements for the letter, e.g. the solicitation specifically requires a letter from the Vice President for Research
• Principal Investigator Biographical Sketch or link to current CV
• Compiled departmental and college commitments (see Financial Commitments below)
• Whether this is a resubmission, and if so, comments that need to be addressed
• Draft letter in .docx

Financial Commitments

If a proposal requires institutional financial commitments, the investigator should contact their college dean and department head to secure initial support. The dean’s office will then coordinate with Research, Innovation & Impact and Vice President for Research Development (John O'Neil, Ph.D.) to obtain the financial commitment. Requests for financial assistance should be made as soon as possible. Letters for financial commitment should also be coordinated through RDS during the drafting phase.

For assistance on letters of support, please contact Research Development Services . Please note that in order to provide the best service, requests should be made at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline.

Goals for a Letter of Support

Generally, the goals for a letter of support are to:

• Highlight how the proposal contributes to leading research and/or education in the field;
• Specify the contributions of the team member/project;
• Communicate enthusiasm for the proposal; and
• Provide quantifiable support for the proposal.

For letters of collaboration, the goals are to emphasize the:

• Collaborator and the assets they bring to the team;
• Existing relationship with the investigator; and
• Unique contributions of the collaboration.

The guidelines below can be utilized for either a letter of support or collaboration. It is strongly recommended that you customize each letter, unless otherwise specified by the funding solicitation or agency. By providing a draft letter you can ensure a more timely response as well as align the letter to the proposal narrative.

Guidelines for a Basic Letter of Support (or Collaboration) Document

Ensure that you follow all guidance within the funding solicitation regarding context, formatting, and page length. Print the letter on institutional letterhead. The following guidelines offer suggestions for drafting a basic letter of support, deviations from this format may be necessary to fulfill the goals of your letter.

Determine the appropriate addressee for the letter, typically the project’s principal investigator or the granting agency. There's not a hard and fast rule for all letters about who should be the addressee, as it depends upon the type of letter. If the letter details how the institution will provide support for the project, the addressee should be the granting agency, preferably a specific program officer affiliated with that funding opportunity. Otherwise, if the letter is from a collaborator committing their own support for the project, you may still chose to address the letter to the program officer, but you could also address it to the PI. Try to be as specific as possible and avoid “To Whom It May Concern.” It may also be helpful to identify the funding solicitation and title using a “Re:” line.

First Paragraph

• Define the letter writer's role and the entity represented (see the " Goals " text above).
• Emphasize why the letter is being written, e.g. to support the proposal and research/academic goals or to commit resources or cost share/matching funds.
• State the details of the proposal being submitted and reference the funding solicitation including the principal investigator's name, title of the proposal, type of proposal (i.e. research, training, workshop), and where the letter is going (i.e. the funding agency or lead institution).

Body Paragraph(s)

• Describe the strengths of the proposal, e.g. by explaining the science and/or education approach and its relevance or cutting edge approach, emphasize the team leadership strengths, promote a strong track record of mentorship, highlight the appropriate achievements of the team such as publications, or if part of a larger proposal, address how integral this component is to the overall project.
• Link the strengths of the proposal to the organization or institution, e.g. alignment to with the university/college/department research or education goals, or the research expertise and resources at UA to support this proposal.

Final Paragraph

• Provide a summary that includes the commitment of resources (including quantifiable details, if applicable), how the work reflects the importance of the project to the institution and/or UA, and reiteration of support of the proposal.

Signatures:

• If college resources or the like are being committed and require institutional signature, a counter signature from the Dean or Department Head is required before an institutional signature can be provided.

Required Statement:

• The proposed Principal Investigator for the University of Arizona is <insert PI's name here>, with such role being subject to and conditioned upon required compliance and regulatory reviews and/or approvals, including conflict of interest and conflict of commitment.

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How to Write a Convincing Letter of Support for Grant

Published on 09 Nov 2022

Applying for a research grant is a daunting task. Between the main research proposal and all of the additional documents required, it can be overwhelming. While some people enlist the help of professional grant writers , many others turn to Google (which may be how you found our blog). 

In this article, the focus is on an important part of that grant application process: Requesting and writing letters of support.

If you’re seeking a letter of support or have been asked to write one, don’t leave it until the last minute. While it may seem like a simple, supporting document (pun intended), well-written proof from the right people can get a grant applicant those final few steps across the approval line.

What is a letter of support for a grant?

A letter of support is an important argument in favour of a research proposal. It lends credibility to a grant application in several ways:

• Provides a third-party testimonial that backs up the applicant’s claims and promises.
• Shows that other organizations or individuals believe in the research proposal.
• Gives examples of the writer’s commitment (i.e. money or resources) to the project.
• Demonstrates a genuine and enthusiastic collaboration between the involved parties.

This letter can be written by a variety of people. But, writers tend to fall into two categories: (1) partners providing monetary or in-kind support and (2) influential people or organizations that believe the research project is worthwhile. For example: An applicant may seek support from a partner organization, an outside business, another major funder of the research project, or key stakeholders (including community leaders and individuals who will be impacted). 

How to request a letter of support for a grant

If you’ve been asked by someone to write a letter of support, then you can skip to the next section. However, if you’re here because you’re applying for a grant that requires you to submit a letter of support (or several), this section is worth noting. 

How you request a letter of support makes a difference. So, whether you’re the principal investigator (PI) in an application or someone assisting them, here’s the steps you should take: 

• Make a list - In the academic world, as in any industry, it’s often about who you know. Even if you wish research could speak entirely for itself, you’ll have to reach out to at least one individual (more likely several) to get proof of support.
• Set up meetings - Explain your project in detail and ask if each person would be willing to write you a letter of support. Don’t just assume they will.
• Provide important information to include - If someone agrees to help, make it easier for them by highlighting the info they’ll need. This could include: a project summary, details of the funding agency, how the research supports the interests of the funder, and how the grant can help the writer or their organization.
• Discuss any disagreements - In the support request process, you may realize that your understanding of the collaboration is different from your collaborator’s understanding. Be sure to sort out any disagreements now so that you go into the grant proposal fully aligned.
• Give a reasonable timeline - Ensure that the person who is writing the letter is aware of when you’ll need it back to include it with your grant application. Be considerate of the writer’s schedule and give them at least 2-3 weeks to prepare the letter.

All grant applications have different requirements. So, before you begin requesting or writing a letter of support, review the funding agency’s guidelines first and foremost.

What is the difference between a letter of support and a letter of recommendation?

In the midst of a grant application, it can be easy to get your wires a little twisted on what’s what, especially when distinguishing between letters of recommendation vs. support. Some funders expect both, but most will be looking for the latter. To help you out:

A letter of recommendation… 

• Is primarily requested in scenarios related to career development (like applications to fellowships or other programs).
• Requires the writer to be familiar with an applicant's qualifications, but does not require them to be involved in the project.
• Is submitted separately from an application.

A letter of support…

• Demonstrates the writer’s commitment and role in the project.
• Requires the writer to be a significant contributor or stakeholder in the research.
• Is submitted as part of a grant application.

How to write a letter of support

A letter of support should include a few key sections. Here’s an in-order outline to use if you’re the writer (plus a few bonus tips to help with the writing process):

• Header - At the top of the letter, include your name, institution, and date of writing. This may already be included as part of an organizational letterhead (which you should use if you have one). Include the recipient’s name and contact information in the line below. The letter may be addressed to the reviewer at the funding agency or to the person applying for the grant.
• Salutation - How does the recipient of the letter prefer to be addressed? Include this at the start (e.g. “Dear Dr. Strange,” or “Dear Mrs. Robinson,”). Avoid using “To whom it may concern.”
• Opening statement - Introduce yourself (i.e. Who are you and why should the reader care?). State the intent of your letter clearly and succinctly. Highlight what you know about the project and the value you see in it.
• Key points of support - This is the main body of the letter. Justify why funding is needed for the research project and how it will benefit you and others. Emphasize your belief in the research and its results. Discuss expected outcomes and be clear on the kind of support that you will be providing to the project. Try to anticipate and address questions that the funding agency may have for you.
• Closing statement - Summarize your key points. Convince the reader of your enthusiasm for the project. If you’re addressing the letter to the applicant (instead of the funding agency), you may want to add a note here wishing them well in the application process.
• Sign off - End with a polite close (e.g. “Sincerely,”) and be sure to actually sign the letter. Include your full name and title below the signature space. Provide further personal contact details if you can’t be reached at the number/email on your organization's standard letterhead.

Even if it’s a good start, including all the sections above isn’t a surefire way to write a convincing letter of support. So, here’s a few other tips to help…

• Start with key talking points - Draft your first version of the letter in bullet points. With an outline of important information that you want to include. Then, sweep through and write the “real first draft” without having to worry about missing something.
• Watch that page count - Keep to a single page if possible (two maximum). It can be tempting to include everything you think is even slightly relevant. But, that will only drown out the most important parts. For reviewers reading through mountains of application material, shorter is definitely sweeter.
• Enlist some grammar help - Consider getting Grammarly (or a similar free software) to help carry some of the load of all that wordweaving and editing.
• Check (and double-check) grant requirements - Many funding agencies provide a list of rules for applications (like this helpful outline from the Canadian Institute of Health Research). So, whatever you’re applying for, be sure to review the preferences that have been highlighted by the funding provider.

Sample letters of support for an educational grant

There’s no single formula for a perfect letter of support. However, samples can give you a good place to start. Just don’t fall into the template trap! Advice from a collection of grant reviewers highlighted the importance of “unique letters that show the writer’s actual support.” So, draw inspiration from a few examples, then, use that to write something original.

For a straightforward template to help you visualize: APCCP created this simple document that presents a letter layout in a more visual way.

For more helpful tips on writing letters of support: Enago provides a list of suggestions, plus a letter of support template further on in the article.

For a bit of a laugh: Junee Community Network has an entertaining how-to outline that includes a sample letter on the topic of “Funding for Dragon Cages at Camelot Castle”.

Summary: What makes or breaks a letter of support?

Researchers face endless challenges in securing much-needed financial resources. A well-written letter of support goes a long way toward convincing funding agencies that a research proposal is worth taking a chance on.

At the end of the day, a great letter of support is to-the-point, personalized, and full of genuine enthusiasm for the writer’s participation and the potential research findings.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go on and get writing!

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7 Email Examples: Writing a Supporting Letter (Key Elements)

By Status.net Editorial Team on January 24, 2024 — 20 minutes to read

• Preparing to Write a Supporting Letter Part 1
• Starting Your Supporting Letter Part 2
• Explaining the Support Part 3
• Concluding a Supporting Letter Part 4
• Finalizing a Supporting Letter Part 5
• Example of a Supporting Letter for a Grant Application Part 6
• Example of a Supporting Letter for a Student Part 7
• Example of a Supporting Letter for a Research Project Part 8
• Example of a Supporting Letter for a Family Member Part 9
• Example of a Professional Recommendation Part 10
• Example of a Character Reference Part 11
• Example of a Community Supporting Letter Part 12

A supporting letter is a valuable tool used to endorse or vouch for someone, typically in professional and academic contexts. Its main purpose is to provide a persuasive, detailed, and credible account of the person’s qualifications, skills, and achievements. This helps the decision-makers, such as employers or university admissions officers, understand why the person deserves the opportunity in question. Writing a genuine, well-structured, and convincing supporting letter can make a significant impact on someone’s goals and opportunities.

Part 1 Preparing to Write a Supporting Letter

Identifying the recipient.

Before you start writing your supporting letter, it’s crucial to identify who the recipient will be. Knowing your audience helps tailor your letter to their specific needs and expectations. For example, if you’re writing a letter to support a colleague’s job application, address the hiring manager by their name and title. In cases where you don’t know the recipient’s identity, use a general address like ‘To Whom It May Concern’.

Gathering Relevant Information

Once you’ve identified the recipient, gather as much information as possible to support your letter effectively. Here are some key elements to consider:

• Relationship with the person: Clearly state your relationship with the person, how long you’ve known them, and in what context (e.g., as a colleague, supervisor, or teacher).
• Distinct qualities: Highlight their positive qualities, skills, and achievements. Be specific and provide concrete examples that demonstrate their abilities, such as successfully completing a project or showing great teamwork.
• Reason for writing the letter: Explain why your support is relevant and help the reader understand the purpose of your letter. For instance, if you’re writing a letter for a scholarship, showcase the applicant’s academic performance and extracurricular activities that make them worthy of the award.
• Additional information: Including relevant and specific information that supports the person’s application can further strengthen your letter. For example, if the person is applying for a job, you can mention their past successes, commendable work ethic, or adaptability to new challenges.

Part 2 Starting Your Supporting Letter

Writing the salutation.

To begin your supporting letter, you’ll first need to choose an appropriate salutation. This is the greeting you use to address the recipient. If you know the person’s name, use a formal title such as “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, or “Dr.” followed by their last name, like so: Dear Dr. Smith,

If you don’t know the person’s name, you can use a general salutation, such as: To Whom It May Concern,

Remember to use a comma after the salutation and leave a line before starting the main body of your letter.

Crafting a Strong Opening Statement

Once you’ve chosen an appropriate salutation, the next step is to create a strong opening statement that captures the recipient’s attention and sets the tone for your supporting letter.

• State your purpose: Begin by clearly stating the reason for writing the letter. This could be endorsing someone for a job, requesting assistance, or vouching for a project, among other reasons.

Example: I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Jane Doe’s application for the Marketing Manager position at your esteemed company.

• Include context: Explain the basis of your relationship with the individual or entity you’re supporting, such as how you know them or the length and nature of your association.

Example: I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for five years at (…) Company, during which time she consistently demonstrated remarkable marketing skills and dedication to her role as a Marketing Coordinator.

Part 3 Explaining the Support

Outlining the main points.

When writing a supporting letter, it’s important to succinctly outline the main points you want to cover. Start by organizing your thoughts and creating an outline of the points you want to discuss. This helps to keep your letter focused and concise. Use bullet points or lists to clearly separate each point, and keep each section brief and to the point.

For example, if you’re writing a letter to support a colleague’s job application, your main points might include:

• Your colleague’s skills and experience
• How they contributed to the team
• Positive aspects of their work ethic

Providing Concrete Examples

To make your supporting letter more impactful, provide concrete examples that perfectly illustrate each point on your outline. These examples add weight to your points and give the reader a better understanding of why you’re offering support. Use specific instances, numbers, or facts where possible to demonstrate the relevance and importance of your support.

Continuing the previous example of supporting a colleague’s job application, you could provide the following examples:

• Describe a project your colleague successfully completed, and mention the positive feedback received from clients or supervisors.
• Explain how your colleague’s efforts in team-building activities led to improved team morale and collaboration.
• Mention any awards or recognitions your colleague received for their hard work and dedication at the company.

By effectively outlining the main points and providing concrete examples, your supporting letter will be both persuasive and impactful. This approach will ensure the reader fully understands the reasons behind your support and is more likely to take it into consideration.

Part 4 Concluding a Supporting Letter

Summarizing the support.

At the end of your supporting letter, it’s essential to briefly reiterate your key points. This summary will reinforce why you believe in the candidate or project you’re supporting and help the reader remember your most persuasive arguments. For example, you might say:

In summary, I wholeheartedly endorse Jane for the (…) Scholarship due to her outstanding academic achievements, passionate community involvement, and strong leadership qualities.

Offering Additional Assistance

To further strengthen your letter, offer additional assistance if needed. This demonstrates your genuine investment in the individual or cause you’re supporting. You can express your willingness to provide more information or answer any questions the reader may have. For example:

Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your email address] or [your phone number]. I would be more than happy to discuss [candidate’s name] qualifications or provide additional examples of their suitability for [opportunity].

Part 5 Finalizing a Supporting Letter

Proofreading and editing.

Before sending your supporting letter, it’s important to proofread and edit the content. Carefully go through the document to ensure there are no typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies.

For instance, double-check that you have:

• Spelt the recipient’s name and title accurately
• Presented your points clearly and concisely

Including Sign-off and Signature

Finally, add a proper sign-off and signature to your supporting letter. The sign-off should match the overall tone of your letter. Some examples of this include:

• Best regards
• Kind regards

After typing the sign-off, leave a few lines of space for your physical signature. If you’re sending the letter electronically, you can either insert a scanned or digital version of your signature, or just type your full name.

Remember to include your contact information below your name, such as your:

• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address (optional)

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your supporting letter is polished, professional, and ready to be sent.

Sample Supporting Letters

Part 6 example of a supporting letter for a grant application.

[Your Name] [Your Institution] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date]

[Recipient Name] [Recipient Institution] [Recipient Address] [City, State ZIP]

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to express my wholehearted support for [Applicant’s Name] and their proposal for the [Grant Name] at [Recipient Institution]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [number of years], and I am certain that their project will make a significant impact in the field of [research/topic area].

As a [Your Position] at [Your Institution], I have personally witnessed how [Applicant’s Name] excels at [specific skills, experiences, or qualifications]. For instance, during the [Name of Project], [Appellant’s Name] exhibited exceptional [mention skills or abilities] that led to [mention project success or outcome].

I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name]’s diligence, creativity, and determination will contribute to the successful execution of the proposed project. The [Grant Name] will no doubt provide [Applicant’s Name] with the necessary resources to reach their goals. I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for this grant and believe that they are the perfect candidate.

Thank you for considering my support for [Applicant’s Name]. Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Institution]

Part 7 Example of a Supporting Letter for a Student

I am writing to express my strong support for [Student’s Name] for the [Scholarship, Internship, or Admission Program] at [Recipient Institution]. As a [Your Position] at [Your Institution], I have had the pleasure of [teaching, mentoring, or working with] [Student’s Name] for [number of years] and have seen firsthand their exceptional [qualities, skills, or achievements].

Throughout our time together, [Student’s Name] has demonstrated their [mention specific skills or attributes that make them a strong candidate for the program]. For example, in [a project, a class, or an extracurricular activity], [Student’s Name] [describe their performance, input, or outcome].

I am confident that [Student’s Name] will thrive in the [Scholarship, Internship, or Admission Program] and become a valuable asset to your institution. I wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s Name] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or clarification.

Part 8 Example of a Supporting Letter for a Research Project

What components should i include in a support letter for a research project to ensure its success.

A support letter for a research project should include the following components:

• Briefly introduce yourself, your position, and your expertise in the subject area.
• State your relationship to the project and the lead researcher(s).
• Explain the purpose of the project and its significance to the field.
• Describe the project’s strengths, such as innovation, feasibility, or expected outcomes.
• Provide any additional resources, guidance, or connections you can offer to ensure the project’s success.
• Clearly express your confidence in the lead researcher(s) and the project, and close with an invitation to discuss further if needed.

Subject: Letter of Support for [Project Title]

I am writing to express my strong support for the research project entitled “[Project Title],” led by [Lead Researcher’s Name]. As [Your Position] at [Your Institution/Organization] with a background in [Your Expertise Area], I have followed the progress of this project closely and am thoroughly impressed by its scope and potential impact on [Relevant Field or Industry].

My relationship with the project stems from [describe your relationship, e.g., collaborator, mentor, colleague, etc.], and I have had the opportunity to engage with the lead researcher(s) and their work. I can attest to [Lead Researcher’s Name]’s exceptional skills, dedication, and innovative approach to [Briefly describe the research area].

The purpose of this project is to [briefly outline the research project’s objectives], which addresses a critical gap in our understanding of [describe the significance to the field]. This research is poised to make significant contributions by [describe what the project aims to achieve or discover].

Among the project’s many strengths are its [describe project strengths, such as innovative methodology, interdisciplinary approach, advanced technology, etc.]. Additionally, the project design demonstrates a high level of feasibility, with well-defined goals, a realistic timeline, and a comprehensive budget plan.

To further support this endeavor, I am committed to providing [specify any resources, guidance, connections, or other forms of support you are offering]. I believe that these contributions, combined with the team’s expertise, will be instrumental in the project’s success.

I have full confidence in [Lead Researcher’s Name] and the research team to execute the proposed work with the highest level of scientific rigor and integrity. Their work has the potential to [describe expected outcomes and their importance].

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require additional information or wish to discuss this project further. I am available at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number].

Thank you for considering this letter of support. I eagerly anticipate the advancements that [Project Title] will bring to our field and am proud to endorse this valuable research.

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Institution/Organization]

Part 9 Example of a Supporting Letter for a Family Member

How do i write a letter of support for a family member that conveys my backing convincingly.

When writing a letter of support for a family member, consider the following steps:

• Clearly state your relationship to your family member and how long you’ve known them.
• Describe the purpose of the letter and your reason for writing.
• Elaborate on your family member’s strengths, skills, and positive attributes that make them deserving of the support.
• Provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualities.
• Express your confidence in your family member’s ability to succeed in their goals.
• Write with a friendly and supportive tone, while maintaining professionalism.

Subject: Letter of Support for [Family Member’s Name]

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to offer my unwavering support for my [Relationship, e.g., sister, cousin, etc.], [Family Member’s Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Family Member’s Name] for [number of years] years, witnessing their growth, resilience, and dedication in all aspects of life.

The purpose of this letter is to support [Family Member’s Name] in [describe the purpose, e.g., their application for a scholarship, a new job, a personal endeavor, etc.]. I am fully confident in their abilities and believe that they are exceptionally well-suited for this opportunity.

[Family Member’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a strong set of values that includes [list strengths, skills, and positive attributes, e.g., integrity, hard work, compassion, etc.]. One of the most remarkable instances where these attributes were on display was when [provide a specific example that shows your family member’s qualities, such as a challenge they overcame, a project they completed, or a contribution they made to the community].

Their ability to [describe an additional example or skill that is relevant to the purpose of the letter] has always been impressive. It is these qualities, along with their [mention other relevant attributes, such as leadership skills, academic excellence, or creativity], that assure me of their potential for success in [describe the goal or opportunity they are pursuing].

As a [your relationship to the family member], I have seen [Family Member’s Name] face challenges with grace and come out stronger. Their perseverance and commitment to their goals are commendable, and I have every confidence that they will excel and make the most of the [opportunity, position, etc.] they are seeking.

I am proud to stand behind [Family Member’s Name] and offer my full endorsement. Should you require any further information or wish to discuss their application in more detail, please feel free to contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number].

Thank you for considering my letter of support. I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact that [Family Member’s Name] will undoubtedly make with your support.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Part 10 Example of a Professional Recommendation

When writing a professional recommendation letter, make sure to provide specific examples of the individual’s skills and accomplishments. You can start by mentioning how you know the person and your relationship (colleague, supervisor, etc.). Next, list their strengths and qualities relevant to the profession. Feel free to use bullet points to make these key points stand out:

• Excellent communication skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage projects

Don’t forget to include some anecdotes that illustrate these qualities in action. Lastly, wrap up the letter by expressing your confidence in the individual’s ability to be a valuable asset in the desired role.

Subject: Professional Recommendation for [Candidate’s Name]

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Candidate’s Name], who has applied for the [position or opportunity they are seeking] at [Recipient Company/Organization]. As [Your Position] at [Your Company/Organization], I have had the pleasure of working with [Candidate’s Name] for [number of years/months] as [your relationship to the candidate, e.g., their supervisor, colleague, etc.]. During this time, I have witnessed firsthand their exceptional abilities and professional growth.

[Candidate’s Name] is an individual of high caliber with a wealth of skills and accomplishments. Below are some key strengths that I believe make [him/her/them] an ideal candidate for your organization:

– Excellent Communication Skills: [Candidate’s Name] possesses a remarkable ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. An instance that stands out is when [provide an anecdote or example that showcases their communication skills, such as leading a presentation or resolving a conflict].

– Highly Organized and Detail-Oriented: Their organizational skills are second to none. [Candidate’s Name] has consistently demonstrated this through [provide an example, such as managing a complex project or streamlining a process within your organization].

– Proven Ability to Lead Teams and Manage Projects: As a natural leader, [Candidate’s Name] has successfully led our team through [describe a significant project or initiative]. [He/She/They] showed exceptional leadership in coordinating efforts, meeting deadlines, and delivering results that exceeded our expectations.

In addition to these qualities, [Candidate’s Name] is [list any other relevant strengths or qualities, such as adaptability, technical skills, or creativity]. [He/She/They] has a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence that is evident in everything [he/she/they] undertakes.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will be a valuable asset to your team and will contribute positively to your organization. [His/Her/Their] skills, paired with an unwavering dedication to achieving success, make [him/her/them] perfectly suited for the [position or opportunity].

Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information or further insights into [Candidate’s Name]’s qualifications. I am available at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number] and would be happy to discuss [his/her/their] candidacy in more detail.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. I am certain that [Candidate’s Name] will prove to be a standout addition to your organization.

[Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Company/Organization]

Part 11 Example of a Character Reference

A character reference letter highlights the candidate’s personal qualities and demonstrates their character and values. Begin by providing context on how long you’ve known the person and your relationship with them (friend, family member, neighbor, etc.). Shift your focus to their most positive traits – such as responsibility, trustworthiness, and sincerity – and provide illustrations of these qualities in action.

For instance:

• When our neighbor was hospitalized, they consistently took care of their pets and maintained their property.
• They volunteered to tutor underprivileged kids every weekend.

Conclude the letter by sharing your perspective on why you believe they would be a valuable addition to the community, organization, or team.

I am writing to provide a character reference for [Candidate’s Name], who I have known for [number of years] years as [your relationship, e.g., my colleague, friend, neighbor, etc.]. [Candidate’s Name] has consistently exhibited qualities of responsibility, trustworthiness, and sincerity, which I have personally observed on numerous occasions.

For example, [Candidate’s Name] has been an active participant in community activities, often taking the initiative to organize events. Their reliability was especially evident when they volunteered to manage a local charity event, ensuring its success through meticulous planning and coordination.

Additionally, [Candidate’s Name] has shown a deep commitment to personal growth and helping others by dedicating time to tutor children on weekends. This not only highlights their generous spirit but also their ability to inspire and educate with patience and understanding.

[Candidate’s Name] is a person of good moral character, and their positive demeanor and proactive nature make them a valuable member of any team or community. I am confident in their ability to bring these traits to new environments and situations.

Should you require further information, please feel free to contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number].

Thank you for considering my character reference for [Candidate’s Name]. I wholeheartedly recommend them and believe they will make a positive impact wherever they go.

Part 12 Example of a Community Supporting Letter

Community support letters emphasize how an individual has positively impacted a community or organization. In this case, explain your connection to the community and why you are in a position to write a support letter. Highlight the individual’s contributions and dedication to the community using specific examples.

For example:

• Organizing a successful food drive that provided meals for hundreds of families in need.
• Consistently volunteering for community events and fundraisers.

You might also share stories of how the person’s actions inspired others to get involved or created a sense of unity. Finally, emphasize the ongoing value they bring to the community and how their contributions align with the community’s values and objectives.

As [Your Position/Role in the Community] of [Community Organization/Group Name], I am writing to express my heartfelt support for [Individual’s Name] and to share the positive impact they have had on our community. My role has given me the opportunity to witness the remarkable contributions [Individual’s Name] has made to better the lives of those around us.

[Individual’s Name] has been instrumental in organizing a successful food drive that not only provided meals for hundreds of families in need but also brought our community together for a common cause. Their organizational skills, compassion, and drive were the driving force behind the event’s success.

In addition to this, [Individual’s Name] has consistently volunteered for various community events and fundraisers, demonstrating a profound commitment to civic engagement. Their enthusiasm and dedication have not only contributed to the success of these events but have also inspired others to get involved. It is this kind of leadership by example that fosters a strong sense of community and encourages collective action.

The actions of [Individual’s Name] have created a ripple effect, encouraging a spirit of generosity and unity among community members. Their efforts align perfectly with our community’s values and objectives of inclusivity, support, and active participation.

I firmly believe that [Individual’s Name] is an invaluable asset to our community, and their ongoing contributions will continue to enhance the quality of life for all residents. It is with great pleasure that I offer my support for [Individual’s Name] and I look forward to witnessing their future endeavors.

Please feel free to contact me at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number] should you require further information or wish to discuss [Individual’s Name]’s community involvement in more detail.

Thank you for considering this letter of support. [Individual’s Name] truly embodies the spirit of community service, and I am proud to acknowledge their efforts.

[Your Name] [Your Position/Role in the Community] [Community Organization/Group Name]

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a letter of support to make it effective.

To write an effective letter of support, you should include the following key elements:

• Establish your connection to the person or project you are supporting.
• Clearly explain the reason for your support, emphasizing the individual’s or project’s strengths and potential.
• Provide specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s abilities or the project’s merits.
• Keep your writing clear and concise.
• Proofread for grammar, spelling errors, and ensure a professional tone.

What are the essential parts of a cover letter that make it stand out?

An outstanding cover letter includes the following components:

• A personalized salutation that addresses the recipient by name.
• A strong opening paragraph that clearly states the purpose of the letter and captures the reader’s attention.
• A clear outline of your qualifications, experiences, and achievements that relate to the specific position.
• A paragraph that explains your genuine interest in the position and the organization.
• A professional closing with an invitation to further discuss your qualifications and contact information.
• 5 Inspiring Examples: Writing a Motivation Letter (Key Elements)
• 5 Key Parts of an Effective Cover Letter (with Examples)
• Parts of a Business Letter (Components with Examples)
• A Perfect Letter of Introduction [Examples]
• Writing a Summary of Qualifications: Examples & Action Words
• How to Write an Effective Application Letter (Examples)

• Sample Research

FREE 10+ Research Letter of Support Samples in PDF | MS Word

Research work consists of more than sets of tasks or a clear formulation of the goals of those tasks. This kind of work involves the organization of work  and the articulation of tasks such as the management of physical, social, and personal resources that are needed for accomplishing the research work fully well. But you also need to write a research letter of support . In this article, we will provide some beneficial tips that you should learn and apply while writing your letter of support.  Plus, we include letter samples that you can use. Please continue reading!

Research Letter Of Support

Free 10+ research letter of support samples, 1. research letter of support template, 2. research applicant letter of support, 3. sample research letter of support, 4. research letter of coordination support, 5. research mentor letter of support, 6. letter of support from student, 7. formal research letter of support, 8. letter of support request form template, 9. standard research letter of support, 10. letter of support template, 11. letter of support for research, what is a research letter of support, how to write a research letter of support , 1. type your heading and opening statement, 2. write essential points and support goals in the content , 3. be polite and humble , 4. show your gratitude , how do i write a letter of support for a research grant, what should a letter of support contain, is a letter of support legally binding, how much should i ask for in a grant.

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A research letter of support is a written document of request by a researcher or a team of researchers who need financial assistance and support on their particular work or project. Letters of support typically accompany a proposal or application for grant funds. These legal documents are sent to certain people, businesses, or organizations the researcher or team are addressing to.

What are the primary support goals that you need to include in your letter of support ? What specific challenges do you encounter while working on your research ? These are the common questions that you need to consider while writing a research letter of support. Below are important ways you can do while preparing this document:

At the left side of your page, include the name of the institution or organization, the person you are addressing as well as the address of the person or the organization. Then, type the formal opening statement by addressing the person you are writing the letter to or simply write “To Whom It May Concern” if you don’t know the exact name of the specific person in the organization. 

Keep a formal and respectful tone while writing the essential points such as names of people or organizations, dates and specific financial amounts for the content of your letter. Aside from this, the University of North Carolina Wilmington recommends that you should include the support goals inside your letter such as defining what the collaborator will contribute to the research, convincing the reviewer that the collaborator will fulfill the request, and expressing enthusiasm for the work, and adding credibility to your proposal .

Apart from being formal, you should be polite and humble when writing your letter. This is very ideal when you’re trying to ask for financial aid from several individuals or organizations. So, use simple, clear, and direct words. Avoid inserting complex terms and sentences.

For the last paragraph of your letter, show your deep gratitude by expressing your heartfelt thanks and appreciation to a specific organization who will provide financial assistance or support for your research project. In this way, you will give a positive impression to your overall letter.

Write comprehensive details of the agreement or relationship as it clearly refers to the grant application. Specify the representative’s signature and organization letterhead. Include testimonies that prove the grant applicant’s appropriateness for the particular project or relationship. Mention specific achievements, valuable metrics, current objectives, and future goals.

Start by writing a short introduction as well as all the important points concerning your proposal or your project.  Provide details and explanations about your proposal, your project or the reason for your cause.  Also, add all other information such as dates, amounts and all other relevant details that you think are significant. 

No. An article explained that letters of support are typically used where the parent entity is unable or unwilling to provide a legal guarantee but wants to give some comfort in respect of the subsidiary’s ability to fulfill its obligations. The High Court ruling demonstrates that a letter of support will usually not be legally binding.

Be sensible about the grant amount you’re requesting. You can usually look for how much to apply for in a grant application by reading a funder’s guidelines. 

Performing various research work involves routine operations and there are times that it can be boring yet it can be fun, exciting, and challenging at the same time. Several researchers experience research projects that are intensely disturbing and painful as they also find deep and satisfying meaning in their work. Being a researcher, you can be emotional, intellectual, and constantly will be certainly influenced by experiences from the research process. To help you in writing your letter , you can click and download our templates here! 

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Project partners letter of support - EPSRC

A project partner is a collaborating organisation who will have an integral role in the proposed research. This may include cash or in-kind contributions such as expertise, staff time or use of facilities.

Their role and contributions should be detailed in the track record section in the case for support as they should be considered part of the research team.

If there are project partners collaborating on a research project, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) requires a letter of support. Well-written letters can significantly strengthen research proposals by demonstrating the benefits of the collaboration, and the potential impacts of the research. It also allows partners to highlight why they support the proposal, and what they hope to get out of it.

What is it for?

The letter of support is part of a proposal’s case for support which is sent to reviewers for assessment. Reviewers are asked if the collaboration is appropriate, and whether appropriate routes and resources have been identified for knowledge exchange and impact development.

If reviews are sufficiently supportive, a prioritisation panel ranks proposals against others based on the reviewers’ comments. Panel members are given copies of the full proposal including letters of support to help them in their task.

What to include

Project partner letters of support are part of the grant application and should be provided on headed paper, dated within six months of the application submission date and signed by the collaborating organisation’s named contact.

A well written project partner letter of support will confirm the organisation’s commitment to the proposed project and should identify:

• the value, relevance and possible benefits of the proposed work to the partner
• the period of support, the full nature of the collaboration or support
• how the partner will provide added value.

Where relevant to the project, details should be provided of:

• the projected market size, customers and sales
• how the organisation will commercialise the technology beyond the project.

Project partner contributions whether in cash or in kind, must be explained in detail in the project partner letter of support. A value must be put on in-kind contributions:

• access to equipment
• provision of data

Details of how this support relates to the proposal should be included in the case for support.

Note: project partners cannot normally receive funding directly from the grant. The two exceptions to this are:

• where a project partner is providing services or equipment that will go through a formal procurement process audited by the host research organisation
• the project partner can receive small amounts of funding from the grant, such as for travel and subsistence to attend project meetings. These will need to be requested by the PI and will need to be fully justified.

Last updated: 3 November 2021

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Letters of support, breadcrumb menu.

Support letters within the context of a grant application can be used to convey more than just an endorsement of a proposal. In general, these are portions of the proposal that often have no page restrictions and can actually reinforce attributes of the proposed work, team of investigators, mentorship and institutional resources/leadership. If you plan to include multiple letters of support with your proposal, it is recommended that you consider a different strong point to highlight for each letter. Very often, particularly for large proposals, a template can serve as a useful guide for letter writing. However, it is strongly recommended that each letter be customized to the specific proposal and letter signatory or it will defeat the purpose of providing such letters in the first place.

The basic outline of a letter of support

Identify the specific addressee — typically the project/program Principal Investigator, or identify the study section, council, granting agency by name. Avoid using "To Whom it May Concern." It is also helpful to use Re: to identify the funding announcement and title.

Opening Paragraph

• Writer's role/stature (Program Director, Department Chair, Co-Investigator, Dean) - what entity does the writer represent?
• To support the proposal or agree to participate (advisory board, preceptor, etc)
• To commit resources
• To provide cost share/matching funds
• Grant number (if available)
• Type of grant (center grant, training program, research proposal

Body Paragraph(s)

• Scientific plan/your own fit in the project, if participating/advisory board
• Proposal leadership
• Team of scientists/staff
• Mentorship (if applicable)
• Track record of publications or training of proposal PI
• Proposal aligns with organization strategic plan
• Leadership/faculty expertise
• Resources/facilities for the project
• Achievements that demonstrate high caliber
• If relevant, specifically outline commitment/match

Concluding Paragraph

Reiterate support for the proposal and briefly indicate how this will meet a larger goal (this is usually identified in the program announcement), such as improve patient care, train the next generation of biomedical scientist, bring jobs to Ohio, increase innovation and discovery, etc.

Obtaining Letters of Support

• First Online: 12 January 2023

Cite this chapter

• Vigneshvar Chandrasekaran 3  

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A research having a significant impact in any field by its virtue involves various components such as research materials, the equipment, and the research personnel [1]. The costs involved in the above-mentioned processes make research grants an essential and most sought-after aspect among researchers of almost all disciplines. The funding through grants can influence the growth and productivity of the concerned field [2]. Further, the progress of a researcher in the academic echelon is frequently assessed based on the quantity and quality of the funds received [3]. Hence, writing for grants becomes a requisite skill for any avid researcher [4].

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Chandrasekaran, V. (2023). Obtaining Letters of Support. In: Parija, S.C., Kate, V. (eds) Grant writing for medical and healthcare professionals. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7018-4_5

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Requesting a Faculty Mentor Letter of Support

Main navigation, guidelines for faculty mentor letters of support.

All VPUE Student Grant proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support written by a qualifying faculty member. Your  faculty mentors  provide crucial guidance and support as you focus your ideas and work on your project. 

Eligibility of Faculty Mentors

At least one of the mentors must be a qualifying faculty member who  

• Typically has the Stanford title of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer or Senior Fellow
• In Arts disciplines (creative writing, film/drama, arts practice), Lecturers are eligible
• Interdisciplinary research projects and creative arts projects are strongly encouraged to draw upon the knowledge and guidance of multiple mentors. 
• Is available to provide consultation, training, and advice throughout the funded project timeline.

For more information on eligibility, see  Faculty Eligibility Guidelines .

Due Date for Faculty Letters

Before you confirm your application in the Grant Application Portal, you will submit the faculty mentor's name, title, and email. As soon as you do so, the faculty mentor will receive an email with instructions for uploading the letter of recommendation. You may include up to 2 additional references for your application (for example, a secondary mentor, a field contact). 

It is your responsibility to provide your mentors with at least three weeks' notice before you enter their names in the application portal.

Letters are due at 11:59pm on the day of the letter deadline.  Check each grant webpage for the grant's faculty letter deadline.

Where to Send Faculty Letters

Faculty should check their email for a notification with the subject line "Letter of Recommendation for VPUE grant applicant - [Student Name]". This email will contain a link with instructions for uploading your letter. If faculty have any questions about this process, please email [email protected] .

Content Guidelines for Faculty Letters supporting research, arts, or senior synthesis projects

These mentorship letters are extremely important to VPUE grant review processes. They allow VPUE staff to provide vital feedback to grant recipients to help them avoid pitfalls during their research. The most helpful mentorship letters include an honest and critical evaluation of the student’s written proposal, which includes the following:

• a frank, scholarly evaluation of the proposed project, its feasibility in the time indicated and its potential significance
• an indication of the student’s level of independence and ownership of this project within the faculty mentor’s broader scholarly agenda
• suggestions on how the plans could be modified or improved
• an assessment of the candidate's ability to carry out the project
• an outline of future interactions between the student and the faculty mentor

If the project involves human subjects, faculty should comment on the steps taken to insure safety, and the progress of the student acquiring IRB approval for the project. The research procedures should be the least risky that can be performed consistent with sound research design.

Furthermore, if the project involves fieldwork away from campus, the faculty letter should assess the student's level of preparation for such work. This includes methodological training and a comprehensive awareness of safety and ethical considerations.

Content Guidelines for Faculty Letters supporting presentations at conferences

The letter of recommendation from your faculty mentor should explicitly endorse the research that you are presenting. It should provide an assessment of the conference and comment on the relevance of the conference for your work.

Feedback from Faculty Letters

The grant application and decision process is intended to be educational for the students.

VPUE does not share the specific content of faculty letters. We do aggregate faculty mentor suggestions with those of grant reviewers when giving feedback to students. Candid faculty evaluations are vital to the quality of this feedback process.

If Faculty Mentors Have Questions

If your faculty mentor has questions about preparing a letter of support or how to upload the letter to the Grant Application Portal, ask your mentor to email [email protected] . 

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Writing an Effective & Supportive Recommendation Letter

Sarvenaz sarabipour.

1 Institute for Computational Medicine and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Sarah J. Hainer

2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Emily Furlong

3 Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

Nafisa M. Jadavji

4 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, United States

5 Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Charlotte M. de Winde

6 MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom

7 Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Natalia Bielczyk

8 Welcome Solutions, Nijmegen, the Netherlands

9 Stichting Solaris Onderzoek en Ontwikkeling, Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Aparna P. Shah

10 The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Author Contributions

Writing recommendation letters on behalf of students and other early-career researchers is an important mentoring task within academia. An effective recommendation letter describes key candidate qualities such as academic achievements, extracurricular activities, outstanding personality traits, participation in and dedication to a particular discipline, and the mentor’s confidence in the candidate’s abilities. In this Words of Advice, we provide guidance to researchers on composing constructive and supportive recommendation letters, including tips for structuring and providing specific and effective examples, while maintaining a balance in language and avoiding potential biases.

Introduction

A letter of recommendation or a reference letter is a statement of support for a student or an early-career researcher (ECR; a non-tenured scientist who may be a research trainee, postdoctoral fellow, laboratory technician, or junior faculty colleague) who is a candidate for future employment, promotion, education, or funding opportunities. Letters of recommendation are commonly requested at different stages of an academic research career and sometimes for transitioning to a non-academic career. Candidates need to request letters early on and prepare relevant information for the individual who is approached for recommendation [ 1 , 2 ]. Writing recommendation letters in support of ECRs for career development opportunities is an important task undertaken frequently by academics. ECRs can also serve as mentors during their training period and may be asked to write letters for their mentees. This offers the ECRs an excellent opportunity to gain experience in drafting these important documents, but may present a particular challenge for individuals with little experience. In general, a letter of recommendation should present a well-documented evaluation and provide sufficient evidence and information about an individual to assist a person or a selection committee in making their decision on an application [ 1 ]. Specifically, the letter should address the purpose for which it is written (which is generally to provide support of the candidate’s application and recommendation for the opportunity) and describe key candidate qualities, the significance of the work performed, the candidate’s other accomplishments and the mentor’s confidence in the candidate’s abilities. It should be written in clear and unbiased language. While a poorly written letter may not result in loss of the opportunity for the candidate, a well-written one can help an application stand out from the others, thus well-enhancing the candidate’s chances for the opportunity.

Letter readers at review, funding, admissions, hiring and promotion committees need to examine the letter objectively with a keenness for information on the quality of the candidate’s work and perspective on their scientific character [ 6 ]. However well-intentioned, letters can fall short of providing a positive, effective, and supportive document [ 1 , 3 – 5 ]. To prevent this, it is important to make every letter personal; thus, writing letters requires time and careful consideration. This article draws from our collective experiences as ECRs and the literature to highlight best practices and key elements for those asked to provide recommendation letters for their colleagues, students, or researchers who have studied or trained in their classroom or research laboratory. We hope that these guidelines will be helpful for letter writers to provide an overall picture of the candidate’s capabilities, potential and professional promise.

Decide on whether to write the letter

Before you start, it is important to evaluate your relationship with the candidate and ability to assess their skills and abilities honestly. Consider how well and in what context you know the person, as well as whether you can be supportive of their application [ 7 ]. Examine the description of the opportunity for which the letter is being requested ( Figure 1 ). Often you will receive a request by a student or a researcher whom you know very well and have interacted with in different settings – in and out of the classroom, your laboratory or that of a colleague, or within your department – and whose performance you find to be consistently satisfactory or excellent. Sometimes a mentee may request a recommendation letter when still employed or working with you, their research advisor. This can come as an unpleasant surprise if you are unaware that the trainee was seeking other opportunities (for instance, if they haven’t been employed with you for long, or have just embarked on a new project). While the mentee should be transparent about their goals and searching for opportunities, you should as a mentor offer to provide the letter for your mentee (see Table 1 ).

First, it is important to establish whether you are equipped to write a strong letter of support. If not, it is best to have a candid conversation with the applicant and discuss alternative options or opportunities. If you are in a position to write a strong letter of support, first acquire information regarding the application and the candidate, draft a letter in advance (see Box 1 ) and submit the letter on time. When drafting the letter, incorporate specific examples, avoid biases, and discuss the letter with the candidate (see Tables 1 – 2 for specific examples). After submission, store a digital copy for potential future use for the same candidate.

Key do’s and don’ts when being asked to write a letter of recommendation

Other requests may be made by a candidate who has made no impression on you, or only a negative one. In this case, consider the candidate’s potential and future goals, and be fair in your evaluation. Sending a negative letter or a generic positive letter for individuals you barely know is not helpful to the selection committee and can backfire for the candidate. It can also, in some instances, backfire for you if a colleague accepts a candidate based on your generic positive letter when you did not necessarily fully support that individual. For instance, letter writers sometimes stretch the truth to make a candidate sound better than they really are, thinking it is helpful. If you do not know the applicant well enough or feel that you cannot be supportive, you are not in a strong position to write the recommendation letter and should decline the request, being open about why you are declining to write the letter. Also, be selective about writing on behalf of colleagues who may be in one’s field but whose work is not well known to you. If you have to read the candidate’s curriculum vitae to find out who they are and what they have done, then you may not be qualified to write the letter [ 8 ].

When declining a request to provide a letter of support, it is important to explain your reasoning to the candidate and suggest how they might improve their prospects for the future [ 8 ]. If the candidate is having a similar problem with other mentors, try to help them identify a more appropriate referee or to explore whether they are making an appropriate application in the first place. Suggest constructive steps to improve relationships with mentors to identify individuals to provide letters in the future. Most importantly, do not let the candidate assume that all opportunities for obtaining supportive letters of recommendation have been permanently lost. Emphasize the candidate’s strengths by asking them to share a favourite paper, assignment, project, or other positive experience that may have taken place outside of your class or lab, to help you identify their strengths. Finally, discuss with the candidate their career goals to help them realize what they need to focus on to become more competitive or steer them in a different career direction. This conversation can mark an important step and become a great interaction and mentoring opportunity for ECRs.

Examine the application requirements

Once you decide to write a recommendation letter, it is important to know what type and level of opportunity the candidate is applying for, as this will determine what should be discussed in the letter ( Figure 1 ). You should carefully read the opportunity posting description and/or ask the candidate to summarize the main requirements and let you know the specific points that they find important to highlight. Pay close attention to the language of the position announcement to fully address the requested information and tailor the letter to the specific needs of the institution, employer, or funding organisation. In some instances, a waiver form or an option indicating whether or not the candidate waives their right to see the recommendation document is provided. If the candidate queries a waiver decision, note that often referees are not allowed to send a letter that is not confidential and that there may be important benefits to maintaining the confidentiality of letters (see Table 1 ). Specifically, selection committees may view confidential letters as having greater credibility and, value and some letter writers may feel less reserved in their praise of candidates in confidential letters.

Acquire candidate information and discuss letter content

To acquire appropriate information about the candidate, one or more of the following documents may be valuable: a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), a publication or a manuscript, an assignment or exam written for your course, a copy of the application essay or personal statement, a transcript of academic records, a summary of current work, and specific recommendation forms or questionnaires (if provided) [ 9 ]. Alternatively, you may ask the candidate to complete a questionnaire asking for necessary information and supporting documents [ 10 ]. Examine the candidate’s CV and provide important context to the achievements listed therein. Tailor the letter for the opportunity using these documents as a guide, but do not repeat their contents as the candidate likely submits them separately. Even the most articulate of candidates may find it difficult to describe their qualities in writing [ 11 ]. Furthermore, a request may be made by a person who has made a good impression, but for whom you lack significant information to be able to write a strong letter. Thus, even if you know a candidate well, schedule a brief in-person, phone, or virtual meeting with them to 1) fill in gaps in your knowledge about them, 2) understand why they are applying for this particular opportunity, 3) help bring their past accomplishments into sharper focus, and 4) discuss their short- and long-term goals and how their current studies or research activities relate to the opportunity they are applying for and to these goals. Other key information to gather from the applicant includes the date on which the recommendation letter is due, as well as details on how to submit it.

For most applications (for both academic and non-academic opportunities), a letter of recommendation will need to cover both scholarly capabilities and achievements as well as a broader range of personal qualities and experiences beyond the classroom or the laboratory. This includes extracurricular experiences and traits such as creativity, tenacity, and collegiality. If necessary, discuss with the candidate what they would like to see additionally highlighted. As another example of matching a letter with its purpose, a letter for a fellowship application for a specific project should discuss the validity and feasibility of the project, as well as the candidate’s qualifications for fulfilling the project.

Draft the letter early and maintain a copy

Another factor that greatly facilitates letter writing is drafting one as soon as possible after you have taught or trained the candidate, while your impressions are still clear. You might consider encouraging the candidate to make their requests early [ 11 ]. These letters can be placed in the candidate’s portfolio and maintained in your own files for future reference. If you are writing a letter in response to a request, start drafting it well in advance and anticipate multiple rounds of revision before submission. Once you have been asked by a candidate to write a letter, that candidate may return frequently, over a number of years, for additional letters. Therefore, maintain a digital copy of the letter for your records and for potential future applications for the same candidate.

Structure your letter

In the opening, you should introduce yourself and the candidate, state your qualifications and explain how you became acquainted with the candidate, as well as the purpose of the letter, and a summary of your recommendation ( Table 2 ). To explain your relationship with the candidate you should fully describe the capacity in which you know them: the type of experience, the period during which you worked with the candidate, and any special assignments or responsibilities that the candidate performed under your guidance. For instance, the letter may start with: “This candidate completed their postdoctoral training under my supervision. I am pleased to be able to provide my strongest support in recommending them for this opportunity.” You may also consider ranking the candidate among similar level candidates within the opening section to give an immediate impression of your thoughts. Depending on the position, ranking the candidate may also be desired by selection committees, and may be requested within the letter. For instance, the recommendation form or instructions may ask you to rank the candidate in the top 1%, 5%, 10%, etc., of applicants. You could write "the student is in the top 5% of undergraduate students I have trained" Or “There are currently x graduate students in our department and I rank this candidate at the top 1%. Their experimental/computational skills are the best I have ever had in my own laboratory.”. Do not forget to include with whom or what group you are comparing the individual. If you have not yet trained many individuals in your own laboratory, include those that you trained previously as a researcher as reference. Having concentrated on the candidate’s individual or unique strengths, you might find it difficult to provide a ranking. This is less of an issue if a candidate is unambiguously among the top 10% that you have mentored but not all who come to you for a letter will fall within that small group. If you wish to offer a comparative perspective, you might more readily be able to do so in more specific areas such as whether the candidate is one of the most articulate, original, clear-thinking, motivated, or intellectually curious.

Key do’s and don’ts when writing a letter of recommendation

The body of the recommendation letter should provide specific information about the candidate and address any questions or requirements posed in the selection criteria (see sections above). Some applications may ask for comments on a candidate’s scholarly performance. Refer the reader to the candidate’s CV and/or transcript if necessary but don’t report grades, unless to make an exceptional point (such as they were the only student to earn a top grade in your class). The body of the recommendation letter will contain the majority of the information including specific examples, relevant candidate qualities, and your experiences with the candidate, and therefore the majority of this manuscript focuses on what to include in this section.

The closing paragraph of the letter should briefly 1) summarize your opinions about the candidate, 2) clearly state your recommendation and strong support of the candidate for the opportunity that they are seeking, and 3) offer the recipient of the letter the option to contact you if they need any further information. Make sure to provide your email address and phone number in case the recipient has additional questions. The overall tone of the letter can represent your confidence in the applicant. If opportunity criteria are detailed and the candidate meets these criteria completely, include this information. Do not focus on what you may perceive as a candidate’s negative qualities as such tone may do more harm than intended ( Table 2 ). Finally, be aware of the Forer’s effect, a cognitive error, in which a very general description, that fits almost everyone, is used to describe a person [ 20 ]. Such generalizations can be harmful, as they provide the candidate the impression that they received a valuable, positive letter, but for the committee, who receive hundreds of similar letters, this is non-informative and unhelpful to the application.

Describe relevant candidate qualities with specific examples and without overhyping

In discussing a candidate’s qualities and character, proceed in ways similar to those used for intellectual evaluation ( Box 1 ). Information to specifically highlight may include personal characteristics, such as integrity, resilience, poise, confidence, dependability, patience, creativity, enthusiasm, teaching capabilities, problem-solving abilities, ability to manage trainees and to work with colleagues, curriculum development skills, collaboration skills, experience in grant writing, ability to organize events and demonstrate abilities in project management, and ability to troubleshoot (see section “ Use ethical principles, positive and inclusive language within the letter ” below for tips on using inclusive terminology). The candidate may also have a specific area of knowledge, strengths and experiences worth highlighting such as strong communication skills, expertise in a particular scientific subfield, an undergraduate degree with a double major, relevant work or research experience, coaching, and/or other extracurricular activities. Consider whether the candidate has taught others in the lab, or shown particular motivation and commitment in their work. When writing letters for mentees who are applying for (non-)academic jobs or admission to academic institutions, do not merely emphasize their strengths, achievements and potential, but also try to 1) convey a sense of what makes them a potential fit for that position or funding opportunity, and 2) fill in the gaps. Gaps may include an insufficient description of the candidate’s strengths or research given restrictions on document length. Importantly, to identify these gaps, one must have carefully reviewed both the opportunity posting as well as the application materials (see Box 1 , Table 2 ).

Recommendations for Letter Writers

• Consider characteristics that excite & motivate this candidate.
• Include qualities that you remember most about the candidate.
• Detail their unusual competence, talent, mentorship, teaching or leadership abilities.
• Explain the candidate’s disappointments or failures & the way they reacted & overcame.
• Discuss if they demonstrated a willingness to take intellectual risks beyond the normal research & classroom experience.
• Ensure that you have knowledge of the institution that the candidate is applying for.
• Consider what makes you believe this particular opportunity is a good match for this candidate.
• Consider how they might fit into the institution’s community & grow from their experience.
• Describe their personality & social skills.
• Discuss how the candidate interacts with teachers & peers.
• Use ethical principles, positive & inclusive language within the letter.
• Do not list facts & details, every paper, or discovery of the candidate’s career.
• Only mention unusual family or community circumstances after consulting the candidate.
• A thoughtful letter from a respective colleague with a sense of perspective can be quite valuable.
• Each letter takes time & effort, take it seriously.

When writing letters to nominate colleagues for promotion or awards, place stronger emphasis on their achievements and contributions to a field, or on their track record of teaching, mentorship and service, to aid the judging panel. In addition to describing the candidate as they are right now, you can discuss the development the person has undergone (for specific examples see Table 2 ).

A letter of recommendation can also explain weaknesses or ambiguities in the candidate’s record. If appropriate – and only after consulting the candidate - you may wish to mention a family illness, financial hardship, or other factors that may have resulted in a setback or specific portion of the candidate’s application perceived weakness (such as in the candidate’s transcript). For example, sometimes there are acceptable circumstances for a gap in a candidate’s publication record—perhaps a medical condition or a family situation kept them out of the lab for a period of time. Importantly, being upfront about why there is a perceived gap or blemish in the application package can strengthen the application. Put a positive spin on the perceived negatives using terms such as “has taken steps to address gaps in knowledge”, “has worked hard to,” and “made great progress in” (see Table 2 ).

Describe a candidate’s intellectual capabilities in terms that reflect their distinctive or individual strengths and be prepared to support your judgment with field-specific content [ 12 ] and concrete examples. These can significantly strengthen a letter and will demonstrate a strong relationship between you and the candidate. Describe what the candidate’s strengths are, moments they have overcome adversity, what is important to them. For example: “candidate x is exceptionally intelligent. They proved to be a very quick study, learning the elements of research design and technique y in record time. Furthermore, their questions are always thoughtful and penetrating.”. Mention the candidate’s diligence, work ethic, and curiosity and do not merely state that “the applicant is strong” without specific examples. Describing improvements to candidate skills over time can help highlight their work ethic, resolve, and achievements over time. However, do not belabor a potential lower starting point.

Provide specific examples for when leadership was demonstrated, but do not include leadership qualities if they have not been demonstrated. For example, describe the candidate’s qualities such as independence, critical thinking, creativity, resilience, ability to design and interpret experiments; ability to identify the next steps and generate interesting questions or ideas, and what you were especially impressed by. Do not generically list the applicant as independent with no support or if this statement would be untrue.

Do not qualify candidate qualities based on a stereotype for specific identities. Quantify the candidate’s abilities, especially with respect to other scientists who have achieved success in the field and who the letter reader might know. Many letter writers rank applicants according to their own measure of what makes a good researcher, graduate trainee, or technician according to a combination of research strengths, leadership skills, writing ability, oral communication, teaching ability, and collegiality. Describe what the role of the candidate was in their project and eventual publication and do not assume letter readers will identify this information on their own (see Table 2 ). Including a description about roles and responsibilities can help to quantify a candidate’s contribution to the listed work. For example, “The candidate is the first author of the paper, designed, and led the project.”. Even the best mentor can overlook important points, especially since mentors typically have multiple mentees under their supervision. Thus, it can help to ask the candidate what they consider their strengths or traits, and accomplishments of which they are proud.

If you lack sufficient information to answer certain questions about the candidate, it is best to maintain the integrity and credibility of your letter - as the recommending person, you are potentially writing to a colleague and/or someone who will be impacted by your letter; therefore, honesty is key above all. Avoid the misconception that the more superlatives you use, the stronger the letter. Heavy use of generic phrases or clichés is unhelpful. Your letter can only be effective if it contains substantive information about the specific candidate and their qualifications for the opportunity. A recommendation that paints an unrealistic picture of a candidate may be discounted. All information in a letter of recommendation should be, to the best of your knowledge, accurate. Therefore, present the person truthfully but positively. Write strongly and specifically about someone who is truly excellent (explicitly describe how and why they are special). Write a balanced letter without overhyping the candidate as it will not help them.

Be careful about what you leave out of the letter

Beware of what you leave out of the recommendation letter. For most opportunities, there are expectations of what should be included in a letter, and therefore what is not said can be just as important as what is said. Importantly, do not assume all the same information is necessary for every opportunity. In general, you should include the information stated above, covering how you know the candidate, their strengths, specific examples to support your statements, and how the candidate fits well for the opportunity. For example, if you don’t mention a candidate’s leadership skills or their ability to work well with others, the letter reader may wonder why, if the opportunity requires these skills. Always remember that opportunities are sought by many individuals, so evaluators may look for any reason to disregard an application, such as a letter not following instructions or discussing the appropriate material. Also promote the candidate by discussing all of their scholarly and non-scholarly efforts, including non-peer reviewed research outputs such as preprints, academic and non-academic service, and advocacy work which are among their broader impact and all indicative of valuable leadership qualities for both academic and non-academic environments ( Table 2 ).

Provide an even-handed judgment of scholarly impact, be fair and describe accomplishments fairly by writing a balanced letter about the candidate’s attributes that is thoughtful and personal (see Table 2 ). Submitting a generic, hastily written recommendation letter is not helpful and can backfire for both the candidate and the letter writer as you will often leave out important information for the specific opportunity; thus, allow for sufficient time and effort on each candidate/application.

Making the letter memorable by adding content that the reader will remember, such as an unusual anecdote, or use of a unique term to describe the candidate. This will help the application stand out from all the others. Tailor the letter to the candidate, including as much unique, relevant information as possible and avoid including personal information unless the candidate gives consent. Provide meaningful examples of achievements and provide stories or anecdotes that illustrate the candidate’s strengths. Say what the candidate specifically did to give you that impression ( Box 1 ). Don’t merely praise the candidate using generalities such as “candidate x is a quick learner”.

Use ethical principles, positive and inclusive language within the letter

Gender affects scientific careers. Avoid providing information that is irrelevant to the opportunity, such as ethnicity, age, hobbies, or marital status. Write about professional attributes that pertain to the application. However, there are qualities that might be important to the job or funding opportunity. For instance, personal information may illustrate the ability to persevere and overcome adversity - qualities that are helpful in academia and other career paths. It is critical to pay attention to biases and choices of words while writing the letter [ 13 , 14 ]. Advocacy bias (a letter writer is more likely to write a strong letter for someone similar to themselves) has been identified as an issue in academic environments [ 3 ]. Studies have also shown that there are often differences in the choice of words used in letters for male and female scientists [ 3 , 5 ]. For instance, letters for women have been found not to contain much specific and descriptive language. Descriptions often pay greater attention to the personal lives or personal characteristics of women than men, focusing on items that have little relevance in a letter of recommendation. When writing recommendation letters, employers have a tendency to focus on scholarly capabilities in male candidates and personality features in female candidates; for instance, female candidates tend to be depicted in letters as teachers and trainees, whereas male candidates are described as researchers and professionals [ 15 ]. Also, letters towards males often contain more standout words such as “superb”, “outstanding”, and “excellent”. Furthermore, letters for women had been found to contain more doubt-raising statements, including negative or unexplained comments [ 3 , 15 , 16 ]. This is discriminative towards women and gives a less clear picture of women as professionals. Keep the letter gender neutral. Do not write statements such as “candidate x is a kind woman” or “candidate y is a fantastic female scientist” as these have no bearing on whether someone will do well in graduate school or in a job. One way to reduce gender bias is by checking your reference letter with a gender bias calculator [ 17 , 18 ]. Test for gender biases by writing a letter of recommendation for any candidate, male or female, and then switch all the pronouns to the opposite gender. Read the letter over and ask yourself if it sounds odd. If it does, you should probably change the terms used [ 17 ]. Other biases also exist, and so while gender bias has been the most heavily investigated, bias based on other identities (race, nationality, ethnicity, among others) should also be examined and assessed in advance and during letter writing to ensure accurate and appropriate recommendations for all.

Revise and submit on time

The recommendation letter should be written using language that is straightforward and concise [ 19 ]. Avoid using jargon or language that is too general or effusive ( Table 1 ). Formats and styles of single and co-signed letters are also important considerations. In some applications, the format is determined by the application portal itself in which the recommender is asked to answer a series of questions. If these questions do not cover everything you would like to address you could inquire if there is the option to provide a letter as well. Conversely, if the recommendation questionnaire asks for information that you cannot provide, it is best to explicitly mention this in writing. The care with which you write the letter will also influence the effectiveness of the letter - writing eloquently is another way of registering your support for the candidate. Letters longer than two pages can be counterproductive, and off-putting as reviewers normally have a large quantity of letters to read. In special cases, longer letters may be more favourable depending on the opportunity. On the other hand, anything shorter than a page may imply a lack of interest or knowledge, or a negative impression on the candidate. In letter format, write at least 3-4 paragraphs. It is important to note that letters from different sectors, such as academia versus industry tend to be of different lengths. Ensure that your letter is received by the requested method (mail or e-mail) and deadline, as a late submission could be detrimental for the candidate. Write and sign the letter on your department letterhead which is a further form of identification.

Conclusions

Recommendation letters can serve as important tools for assessing ECRs as potential candidates for a job, course, or funding opportunity. Candidates need to request letters in advance and provide relevant information for the recommender. Readers at selection committees need to examine the letter objectively with an eye for information on the quality of the candidate’s scholarly and non-scholarly endeavours and scientific traits. As a referee, it is important that you are positive, candid, yet helpful, as you work with the candidate in drafting a letter in their support. In writing a recommendation letter, summarize your thoughts on the candidate and emphasize your strong support for their candidacy. A successful letter communicates the writer’s enthusiasm for an individual, but does so realistically, sympathetically, and with concrete examples to support the writer’s associations. Writing recommendation letters can help mentors examine their interactions with their mentee and know them in different light. Express your willingness to help further by concluding the letter with an offer to be contacted should the reader need more information. Remember that a letter writer’s judgment and credibility are at stake thus do spend the time and effort to present yourself as a recommender in the best light and help ECRs in their career path.

Acknowledgements

S.J.H. was supported by the National Institutes of Health grant R35GM133732. A.P.S. was partially supported by the NARSAD Young Investigator Grant 27705.

Abbreviations:

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Letter of Support Request

Funders sometimes require applicants to include letters of institutional commitment, endorsement, or other support (e.g. NIH Training “T” Grants, NSF Instrumentation Grants, and NEH Institutes are a few examples.) For researchers seeking a personalized letter attributed to or signed by the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research (e.g., institutional letter of support for a sponsored project proposal, letter of recommendation, letter for use in a publication), please complete this form to share initial details of funder timelines and guidelines. Our office will work with you to deliver the appropriate content in timely manner.

Requests should be submitted via the online form at least two weeks in advance of the deadline.

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Source: ORSD Research Resource Portal

The Office of Research Strategy and Development (ORSD) coordinates all letters that are to be signed by the Dean’s Office (Michelle Williams, Dean of the Faculty). ORSD enhances and strengthens the language used in letters and also monetizes  any  resources being committed (new) or leveraged (existing). It is important that we have a working understanding of a project in order to determine which existing supports should be included in the letter and claimed as institutional commitments.

The process for requesting a letter of support will depend on the level of institutional commitment that is included in the letter.  To request a Letter of Support or for questions about the process, please contact Vanessa Barton in the Office of Research Strategy and Development ( [email protected]) .

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General proposal endorsement Letters do not include a statement of any commitments, financial or otherwise, by the Institution.

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In order to review and approve your letter for signature, you are required to send the following materials to ORSD:

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• Draft letter of support (templates available at ORSD Research Resource Portal )

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Letters that include any new commitments (financial support; effort support; programmatic support) or leverage existing resources at the School or Institution must be vetted by ORSD. This includes letters for all training and Center grants that will provide graduate student support.

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The following are letters of support sent from domain experts affiliated with CU Boulder.

October 16, 2016.

Letter from Anthony Johnston

Thu, Dec 8, 2016 at 3:21 PM

Dear Dr. Vance, 

I think the LISA efforts are most useful for all parties involved. Certainly, the students from the Applied Mathematics department, as well as the researchers (such as myself) learn something from the collaboration. The timeliness of response from the students was efficient and their input, or willingness to inquire with their advisor, was also appreciated. The students I worked with were very professional and engaging. They asked appropriate questions and were flexible in their assistance.

I do recommend that outputs in a reader/user­friendly method be implemented, particularly for those of us who do not use R, regularly. Also, a check­list for completing tasks would be ideal. The students were great about following up and confirming meeting goals by writing on the whiteboard and e­mailing ­ however, checking that all these items have been met at the end of a set of meetings would be useful (i.e did the students respond to an inquiry about cut­offs for something like "skewness" and "kurtosis", which they were going to ask their advisor about). This is partly my fault for not following up more actively.

Overall, the collaboration provided me with a novel method for evaluating my data, which involved an intervention study implemented on human subjects over an extended duration of time. I would definitely implement LISA again, and, had I progressed further with the statistical data provided by the students already, I would have definitely followed­up with them, again. I hope that this is still a possibility for looming statistical analyses.

Doctoral Candidate Integrative Physiology, M.S.

Neurophysiology of Movement Laboratory University of Colorado

The following are letters of support sent from clients to specific Virginia Tech administrators in support of sustainable (increased and secure) funding for LISA at Virginia Tech (2013).

Fri, mar 29, 2013 at 10:22 pm.

Dr. McNamee, Dr. DePauw, Dr. Walters, and Dr. Easterling,

I am writing to register my support for long-term funding for LISA. It provides a valuable and important service that helps improve the quality of research coming out of Virginia Tech. I used LISA for my paper on marathon performance and air quality that garnered a great deal of press, and I was impressed that I was able to get an appointment quickly and have an individual meeting with an expert who answered my question effectively. My students have also used LISA, and the quality of our work is better for it.

Regards, Linsey Marr Associate Professor Civil and Environmental Engineering

April 11, 2013

Dr. Laynam Chang, Dean of College of Science Dr. Mark McNamee, VP and Provost Dr. Robert Walters, VP of Research Dr. Karen DePauw, VP and Dean of Graduate Education Dr. Brenda Winkel, Department Head of Biological Sciences

Dear esteemed leaders and mentors:

We strongly support continuation of Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA). This statistical consulting and collaboration service has been essential in our successes as graduate students and now as postdoctoral fellows at the Smithsonian Institution. We strongly feel that continuation of this program will ensure that Virginia Tech continues to produce high-quality researchers and garner research funding in today’s competitive environment.

Use of advanced statistics is now essential given the complex research problems we must tackle and the increasing rigor in scientific review (several journals now employ statistical reviewers). It is impossible, however, for scientists to learn all available statistical tools. Rather, we must develop a solid base and then learn the appropriate advanced tools as needed. The former is achieved through classes, but many of the more advanced techniques require independent learning, advising, and collaboration. LISA is very effect at helping researchers develop advanced statistical needs by encouraging individual learning in a guided relationship.

As a result of our growth with LISA, we are known among colleagues as competent quantitative scientists and are often looked to for statistical guidance. Please find below lists of papers in which we thanked LISA in the acknowledgements, and papers and grants in which broader knowledge gained from LISA consulting sessions was essential.

Works in which LISA was acknowledged:

• Danner, J. E., R. M. Danner, F. Bonier, P. R. Martin, T.W. Small, and I. T. Moore. 2011. Female, but not male, tropical sparrows respond more strongly to the local song dialect: Implications for population divergence.  The American Naturalist  178(1):53–63. ( Press coverage by The New York Times, The Roanoke Times, among others )
• Hess, S. C., R. M. Stephens, T. T. Thompson, R. M. Danner, and B. Kawakami Jr. 2011. Survival of European mouflon (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) on Mauna Loa, Hawai'i, based on tooth cementum lines. Pacific Science  65(1):59–67. (cover)
• Danner, R. M., R. S. Greenberg, J. E. Danner, L. M. Kirkpatrick, J. R. Walters. In review. Experimental support for food limitation of a short-distance migratory bird wintering in the temperate zone.  Ecology .
• Danner, J. E., R. A. Fleischer, R. M. Danner, and I. T. Mooore. In Revision. Cultural evolution, geographic distance, and genetic structure in a tropical bird, the rufouscollared sparrow ( Zonotrichia capensis ).  Evolution .
• Danner, R. M., R. S. Greenberg, J. E. Danner, J. R. Walters. Adaptive fat regulation when food is limiting: experimental evidence of a fat regulation threshold. To be submitted to  Ecology .
• Danner, R. M., R. S. Greenberg, J. E. Danner, J. R. Walters. Winter food limits timing of pre-alternate molt in a short-distance migratory bird. To be submitted to Functional Ecology.
• Danner, J. E. 2012. The Role of Cultural Divergence in Reproductive Isolation in a Tropical Bird, the Rufous-collared Sparrow ( Zonotrichia capensis ) [Dissertation]. Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Tech. ( nominated for College of Science dissertation award )
• Danner, R. M. 2012. The Effects of Limited Winter Food Availability on the Population Dynamics, Energy Reserves, and Feather Molt of the Swamp Sparrow [Dissertation]. Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Tech.

Papers in which broader knowledge gained from LISA was essential:

• Greenberg, R., R. Danner, B. Olsen, and D. Luther. 2011. High summer temperature explains bill size variation in salt marsh sparrows. Ecography 35(2):146–152. ( Press coverage by Discovery News, BirdNote )
• Greenberg, R., V. Cadena, R. M. Danner, and G. J. Tattersall. 2012. Heat loss may explain bill size differences between birds occupying different habitats. PLoS ONE 7(7):e40933. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0040933 ( Press coverage by Scientific American, California Academy of Sciences )
• Greenberg, R., and R. M. Danner. 2012. The influence of the California marine layer on bill size in a generalist songbird. Evolution 66(12):3825–3835. ( Press coverage by Scientific American, California Academy of Sciences )

Grants/Fellowships in which broader knowledge gained from LISA was essential:

• Danner, R. M. Smithsonian Institution Predoctoral Fellowship. Does winter food drive natural and sexual selection in a short distance migratory sparrow? (Jan.–Dec. 2010, $27,000/yr.).
• Danner, R. M. Smithsonian Institution Postdoctoral Fellowship. Reinventing the bill: Proximate and ultimate causes of seasonal plasticity in bill morphology. (July 2012–June 2013, $45,000/yr.).
• Danner, R. M. et al. National Geographic Society. The role heat loss and water conservation in the evolution of finch beaks. (2012, $20,000).
• Danner, R. M. et al. Smithsonian Institution. Using knowledge of local adaptation to recover an extirpated island bird. (2012, $74,500).
• Danner, R. M, R. S. Greenberg, G. J. Tattersall, V. A. Cadena. NSF Preliminary Proposal: How climate shapes morphology: The interplay between direct physiological selection and indirect ecologically-mediated selection (2013, In review)
• Derryberry, E., D. Luther, J. E. Danner, R. M. Danner. NSF Preliminary Proposal: Urban- dependent selection on bird song: proximate mechanisms and ultimate consequences (2013, In review)

Sincerely, Raymond M. Danner (PhD Biological Sciences 2012) Julie E. Danner (PhD Biological Sciences 2012)

Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 11:42 AM

Dear LISA faculty and staff,

My name is Bradford Wiles, and I wanted to share my excellent experience with my LISA collaborators, Jon Stallings and Jenny Cheng. They were truly fantastic in providing statistical assistance and guidance, under a tight deadline, to help me choose the right analyses for my data.

The paring, Jon Stallings as the senior member, and Jenny Cheng as the junior member was a tremendous collaborative experience. Not only did Jon provide tremendous guidance, but it was clear that he was also helping Jenny understand how to approach her role in LISA, and over the course of our collaboration, she began to come into her own and provided excellent insights as well.

I can honestly say that without Jon and Jenny's contributions and collaborations I would not have been able to accomplish my goal of defending my dissertation before the deadline of 4/5 to be able to walk at May graduation. Moreover, I now have a much more thorough understanding of the proper statistical methods for a given set of data, as well as the ability to utilize the massive computing power we have available to us today.

I employed a bootstrapping procedure in my analyses which provided a much more nuanced understanding of what my data could tell me, as well as using a Multi-level Model which helped me account for within and between group and individual changes. In short, they not only steered me in the right direction, but they also provided the knowledge along with it to make sure that I knew why I was doing what I was doing, and how I could apply it in the future. They didn't DO my work for me, they just showed me HOW and WHY to do it, which is exactly what I wanted.

My experience with LISA was among the best I have had in my years at Virginia Tech. I finally want to share the following:

During the course of my collaboration with Jon his mother lost her life and he went home to be with his family. To his immense credit, he did not leave me high and dry, but he carried on with our work, stating that "My Mom would want me to". While I don't know if I could have performed as he did in a similar situation, I am forever grateful and impressed by his dedication to our partnership. He truly deserves the highest of recognition for his dedication, tenacity, and triumph in the face of overwhelming adversity. He was truly inspirational.

Finally, please feel free to contact me if you should need anything further. My experience with your organization made me a believer, and I will fully support your efforts in any way possible.

Bradford B. Wiles, M.S. Doctoral Candidate Department of Human Development

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 11:07 PM

How the use of LISA led to a game changing technology (typed in 3rd person...)

In April 2010 Dr. Scott Renneckar and graduate student Travis Church discovered a novel methodology to bond two wood substrates together without any adhesive.  Without adhesive, wood composites (initially plywood), could be made without petroleum based adhesives (volatile price, non renewable) which often off gas unwanted chemicals that reduce indoor air quality. Even after classes in DOE and statistics Travis benefited from walk in LISA sessions during initial bond optimization for this process.  Since that time the project has obtained for VT a $500k grant from the USDA, and may head towards commercialization via a VT-alum operated start up company within the year.

Thanks! -Travis Church (VT '08 and '10)

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 3:59 PM

I would like to add my voice to the support of the LISA lab.

During my graduate work there were several new applications of materials that did not behave as anticipated, requiring a number of changes to specimens  in the sample population. The overall result was a bit of a fractured sample population and the original statistical plan was not optimal. LISA staff helped immensely cipher through the mix of variables and sample populations to extract the most meaningful information. The contribution by LISA staff was excellent and allowed for a solidly defensible position. The time frame was January-April 2010.

Well Done, keep up the excellent work !

Kind Regards, Bob Wright

Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 8:33 AM

Sue Ott Rowlands, Karen DePauw, Mark McNamee, and Robert Walters:

I am writing in support of further sustainable funding for LISA, the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis, copying both LISA and my department chair on this message.

LISA has been a tremendous support for my graduate students as they seek to use survey data and other statistically analyzable data for their dissertation research. One of my graduate students is involved in a collaboration with LISA concerning interdisciplinary communication that will become part of her dissertation. In addition, LISA provided a workshop for the English department, in fall 2011, on writing surveys and producing statistically significant results from sampling. Finally, a LISA faculty member, Anne Ryan, has assisted one of my research groups with sampling of online message boards and was part of a grant proposal to the NIH submitted in February 2012.

To my mind, LISA performs an invaluable service to the Virginia Tech community, is constantly studying itself to determine if it can improve its services, and encourages us to consider statistical analysis as integral, rather than an adjunct, to research questions necessitating quantitative analysis. Even qualitative analysis can be improved, at times, with statistical sampling, as our research in online message environments shows.

I support increased and permanent funding for LISA, commensurate with the service they provide the VT community, especially its graduate students, to recognize their important contribution to research excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Bernice L. Hausman

Bernice L. Hausman, PhD Professor, Department of English, Virginia Tech Professor, Department of Interprofessionalism, Virginia Tech Carilion

School of Medicine ISCE Senior Fellow, Fall 2012

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:22 PM

Dear Provost McNamee, Vice President Walters, Vice President DePauw and

Dean Davis,

I'm writing in support of the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) as I have found it to be one of the most important and valuable resources supporting research at Virginia Tech.  

First, let me address LISA's contributions to my own research.  I'm working with a research team that includes Dr. Chris Franck of LISA.  Without any doubt, Dr. Franck's  involvement in the project has been critical to our success.  When we proposed this project to USHUD, I was keenly aware that the complexities of the data and statistical modelling  were beyond our means without LISA.  I started to build this data set under an earlier NSF grant and did not involve LISA (I don't think the program was started until after our NSF proposal was funded).  At that time, the research team struggled in managing the complexity and challenges of building a data set from a series of annual industry surveys involving thousands of records each year.  Fortunately we were able to secure another national project that continued the research.  This time LISA was available, so in a way I served as a good pre-test post-test comparison; albeit an N of 1, but I suspect you'll hear from others confirming this data point!

We included Dr. Franck and LISA  in our second project from the beginning and this involvement has been essential to our success.  I won't go into all of the technical details, but I can tell you that LISA's involvement has increased the quality of our research immeasurably.  It wasn't just an enhancement; it was the difference between producing accurate, defensible research results and otherwise problematic results.    My view is that without LISA, we would have struggled to find an able and willing group of statisticians to be part of our team.  LISA's explicit commitment to interdisciplinary work was vital.  Without this program, our research project (as well I suspect numerous others) would have been significantly diminished if not impossible.  

The  university's investment in LISA also benefits graduate students in multiple ways.  I know several of my students who have benefited from the advice of LISA staff and from LISA tutorials.  I can speak more directly to the depth of benefit for the graduate students involved in our HUD grant. The interaction with Dr. Franck and Matthew Keefe, Dr. Franck's graduate student working on this project, is deeply enriching the dissertation research conducted as part of this project.  These benefits will go well beyond this particular project and by elevating these students' career trajectories.  

In over twenty  year as a professor and researcher at Virginia Tech, I can't think of any comparable investment by the university that has been as beneficial as LISA.  

Respectfully,

------- C. Theodore Koebel, Ph.D. Professor, Urban Planning and the Myers-Lawson School of Construction Senior Associate, Center for Housing Research

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 9:28 PM

The LISA lab has been absolutely indispensable to me as I completed my Ph.D. degree.  Despite Dr. Du's excellent instruction in STAT-115 and 116 and my general success in those courses, I suffered low confidence in knowing how to apply my knowledge to real-world research.  This is where the LISA lab really shined through for me.

Over a year-and-a-half I worked with various graduate students and their professional mentors as I first proposed a pilot study that later lead to my eventual dissertation study.  Not only was the help that I received personable and educational, but was a service provided to me (for "free") and remotely, using Skype and GDocs to discuss and collaborate on how best to design and analyze my resulting data.  The staff's explanations were clear, thorough, and encouraging!  I have learned more from working with your staff than I could ever have learned on my own and in far less time.  In fact, it helped me design data analysis that is superior to some of the preceding research that populated my literature review.  

To be honest, defunding the LISA lab would be an egregious mistake.  In fact, I am so pleased with the service and support that I received from the LISA lab (especially considering that all of my interactions with the lab were conducted remotely), I am planning to donate money to them upon my graduation in May 2013.  I'd also like to give special thanks to: Wandi Huang, Jennifer Kensler, and Chrongrui (Ronnie) Yu) for all of their help and assistance.

Sincerely, Amber D. Marcu, Ph.D.

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 4:59 PM

Dean Paul Winistorfer Dr. Mark McNamee, Senior VP & Provost Dr. Robert Walters, VP of Research Dr. Karen DePauw, VP and Dean of Graduate Education

I am writing in strong support of increased funding for the Virginia Tech Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA). I’m been an active adjunct member of the Virginia Tech graduate faculty for more than two decades and I have routinely consulted with the LISA lab in my collaborative research with VT graduate students.  LISA staff frequently modify and improve the statistical analyses that we initially apply and nothing that they have advised us on has ever failed to pass the peer review process of leading journals.  Our students gain invaluable experience consulting with the LISA staff and the quality of their research work is greatly improved.  There are no real alternatives available to VT students and faculty so I encourage you to support the LISA lab – it’s a highly valuable asset that our program cannot fail to lose.

Jeff Marion

VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT-VT Jeff Marion, Ph.D.     Virginia Tech/CNRE, FREC

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 8:44 PM

A note of support for LISA.

I take advantage of LISA's statistical advisory service frequently - several times per year, and often advise my graduate students to consult with LISA statisticians. Even though the students take statistics classes, the standard statistical techniques learned in classes may not apply directly to their data analysis without some adjustment or adaptation for the special circumstances that commonly arise in field and observational studies.

My own use of LISA aids preparation of journal articles for peer-reviewed submissions. The knowledge gained by my students from their LISA consultations often aids preparation of theses, dissertations, and resulting peer-reviewed journal publications.

The students and others who work with LISA are always very knowledgeable, and always try to be helpful. I cannot think of a bad experience with a LISA statistician.

Thank your help.

Carl E. Zipper Professor, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 4:47 AM

Thank you LISA for your support and analysis over the years as I worked on my doctorate here at VT. LISA has been critical to completion of my research and to my own training in experimental planning, design, and interpretation of results. LISA graduate assistants have always been ready to help with all of these statistical steps, in addition to bringing their SAS programming expertise to bear on resolution of specific analysis problems.  I took three statistics classes at VT, but LISA showed me how to successfully apply statistics to my research.

Doctoral students Ciro Velasco and Lucas Roberts, were especially helpful. Both of them mentored me in the correct modeling and analysis of my data. They advised me in the interpretation of my results in order for me to construct and submit journal articles.   During my final years of research, I lived and worked full time off campus. LISA often provided critical contact and interaction with the academic world of VT that has proven personally and professionally rewarding.

Thank you LISA!...your critical and timely support and expertise has made the difference in my academic quest and my professional success.   Sincerely Gill Giese

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:08 AM

Dear Dr. Winistorfer, Dr. Depauw, Dr. Walters, and Dr. McNamee,

My name is Beth Boehme, and I'm a graduate student in the FREC Department.  I've been working with two fantastic LISA coordinators since November 2011, and cannot imagine my experience without their help.  As a Masters student, I took 6 credits of statistics, but the nature of my project data set demands much more statistical expertise than I possess.  Furthermore, the amount of coursework I would need to take is secondary to my needs, as the specific statistical knowledge will not be useful in my career, as I returned to graduate school to gain practical skills, not prepare for a research driven Ph.D.

Consequently, I'm thrilled that LISA collaboration was an option, and I have received extremely valuable input.  Statistical consulting is not only helpful for graduate students, but helps VT shine through high quality publications.  Please continue to make this program accessible for future graduate students.

Beth Boehme

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:17 AM

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to share my good experience and learning time I had during "Introduction to R" courses in Feb and March 2013. I believe such short classes that are offering by LISA are good opportunities for people who want to do statistical analysis in their researches but are not expert in statistics.

So please let them continue their good work and help them improve their services.

Thank you, Narges Dorratotlaj

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 12:51 PM

Dr. McNamee, Dr. Walters, Dr. DePauw:

I just wanted to voice my support for LISA. I worked with a graduate student on a project in 2008 to help me identify what characteristics enrolled cadets had compared within the list of 75,000 names of prospective students I purchase each year to help recruit the next incoming cadet class. I was shocked at the sub-standard location they were in at the time (and I work in Brodie!), but the statistical assistance I received was invaluable. I estimate they have saved us at least $127,000 over the past five years.

Prior to discovering LISA and its services, I had researched two different companies which each wanted to charge in excess of $10,000 to use their "proprietary logarithm" to determine these same characteristics.  I enjoy statistics, but I was intimidated by the size of the database of names upon which I needed to conduct the test, and I was not completely sure exactly which test/s would be the best to use.  Given our limited budget, I was ecstatic to learn we had that resource on campus.

The graduate student I was assigned was wonderful to work with and she was able to help me frame the question and conduct the tests.  I used the results to help me reduce the number of names I needed to purchase to yield our desired cadet class, which helped increase our efficiency and helped me to apply the money saved to another resource of potential cadets, which is the reason this past year we were able to yield 421 new cadets (a 44% increase since 2008 when I first applied the findings). It helps us achieve a decades-long goal of a Corps of 1,000 cadets.

For example, I figure I was able to save approximately $10,000 by not having to outsource to a specialized company for their "proprietary logarithm", and then each year since, I've been able to decrease our name purchase by $23,400 compared to the 2008 level. Over the past five years that would equate $117,000 in savings.  So, just as a rough estimate, I think we've saved at least $127,000 by being able to utilize in-house statistics expertise.

Without LISA, I do not think that would have been possible.  The new location is much nicer than where they were in 2008, but I still think any additional resources that are allocated to LISA will enable other departments who utilize their services to yield similar cost savings, which, in turn, will yield an overall increase of efficiency in our university budget.

Thank-you for your time and consideration.

V/R, Rewa C. Mariger Assistant Commandant for Recruiting Military Affairs (0213)

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:26 AM

Good Morning All,   I would just like to express my gratitude and support for the Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis.  During my graduate stay at Virginia Tech, I embarked on an extremely challenging and mathematical thesis journey for the VCEMP department with Dr. Jesus de la Garza in Civil Engineering, in conjunction with Industrial Systems Engineering.  LISA was a necessary, crucial, and valuable member of the village that it took to complete my interdisciplinary research.  LISA was available to help identify my data distributions to ensure that I was always using the most appropriate and justifiable statistical methods, as well as to provide software guidance in SAS.  Without their help, learning the computer tools required for the statistical aspects of my research could have easily taken over one semester and set back my project significantly.

In addition, I feel very confident that all of the statistical methods are appropriate, applicable, and the best choice possible.  This is such an important part of research, not only for accuracy but for confidence in presentation in front of peers and experts.  Now that I am working in the industry, I work closely with a reviewer for the AACE International (Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering) Journal, and I have had the opportunity to review paper submissions from time to time.  The most common reason that we have dealt with for paper rejections are improper use or interpretation of the math, namely statistics.  Once this is found in a body of work, all confidence is lost in the author/researcher.  It will help the integrity and reputation of Virginia Tech if the work that is produced at our University is not filled with the same research pitfalls as so many others.

The resource of LISA should not only be maintained at Virginia Tech, but promoted, marketed, and expanded.  The reality of research is that almost every research project, P&R, thesis, or dissertation will utilize statistics to some extent, no matter the department the project resides in.  But not all of these researchers will have a heavy background in statistics, in fact most will not.  Seeking out subject matter experts is a wonderful practice, both in academia and industry, and that’s what LISA provides.

Jenni Rogers Benchmarking Analyst

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:40 AM

To Whom It May Concern:

As a research assistant pursuing an MS in Environmental Engineering, I used LISA services to help me complete my thesis work. I do not know what I would have done had their services not been available. Even though I had taken several statistics classes, ‘real’ data often do not conform to standard assumptions, and making valid conclusions can be difficult. I worked with two LISA collaborators, and they were able to provide me with tremendous help and were a pleasure to work with. I truly hope Virginia Tech can continue to provide this service to future students, to help produce the amazing research the university is known for.

Victoria Hoyland Engineer II CHA ~ design/construction solutions

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:45 AM

Respected leaders of Virginia Tech,

I would like to express my appreciation for the Department of Statistics' LISA program, and ask for your support in continuing to adequately fund this vital part of our great institution.

So many different fields of study require statistical analysis to determine the veracity of their conclusions.  The consequences of under-funding LISA would have a ripple effect throughout the university, affecting students from the business school to the sciences.

In a world where data is becoming more and more important, students expect to be able to use their universities' resources to better understand the data they collect. It would be an embarrassment if our institute (of technology!) could not keep up with the times.

With all the benefits it offers, I ask that you please consider increasing the funding for LISA to accommodate the growing demand for this increasingly valuable resource.

Best regards,

Mario Ariza '03

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 10:52 AM

Dear Dr. Grant,

I'm an alum of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as well as the 2012 CALS and HNFE Outstanding Senior. During my time at VT, I was involved in various research projects--an opportunity of which I'm so proud and thankful VT offers--in which I consulted LISA Statistical Services to help with analysis. As an undergrad, I hadn't yet been exposed to advanced statistics that I needed to complete these projects. If not for LISA, I'm honestly not sure where I would have been able to seek assistance outside of perhaps just a self-led crash course.

One of my research projects within the HNFE Summer Scholars program involved the carbon footprint of local foods (sourced from Kentland) served in Virginia Tech dining halls as well as consumer preference. I completed part of the study at the Blacksburg Farmers Market, and my report is currently posted on their webpage for the public to read. Additionally, I presented this research at Tufts  university at their Future of Food research conference. I was the only undergraduate presenting. Without LISA, I doubt I would have been able to delve so deeply into my results and come away with an understanding I could then make sense of for the non-academic.

I ask that you consider my experience when deciding whether LISA has been a success. In my opinion, they are an intrinsic thread of the research web upon this university prides itself.

Jessica Schultz

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 11:13 AM

Attn:  Dean Jack Davis, Dr. Mark McNamee, Dr. Robert Walters, Dr. Karen DePauw

I wish to express support for the continuation of the LISA services to benefit other students, and my appreciation for the valuable service rendered to me during my PhD program.

My PhD topic was based on qualitative data gathered in case studies.  My committee and I considered several research approaches during the proposal stage.  At three different occasions, I met with the LISA staff and we explored new software for Likert Scales, opportunities to collaborate with the computer department, and help in some basic statistical data.  During all meetings, the emphasis was  on first identifying meaningful measurements that supported the core concepts of the research, and then deciding on the appropriate statistical approach.

The support offered by LISA is differentiated from the learning opportunities from a regular (scheduled) statistics course as follows:

- timing - the ability to request a meeting to accommodate the specific need, at the point in time it occurs - personalized advice - the expertise to help review and guide the proposed data gathering to identify meaningful results - adaptability - the early review of proposals to identify the appropriate statistical approach.

I understand this program is under review, and wish to express my support in continuing and enhancing this program.

Vera M. Novak, PhD Environmental Design & Planning

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 11:20 AM

My name is Mark Managuio and I am a senior graduating this Spring semester with degrees in Political Science and Sociology. I'm writing to express my support in granting continued/increased funding to LISA so that it can continue to support Virginia Tech students.

I speak from personal experience when I say that LISA is a tremendous resource for all students. I can say that I would not have accomplished all I have without their assistance. My participation as a McNair scholar and my ability to travel to conferences in order to present would not have been possible without them. In explaining and assisting the statistical specifics of my research study, they allowed me to focus on the analysis and results, which greatly contributed to the strength of my overall study.

I hope that continued support will be given to aid in their future endeavors to assist Virginia Tech students, as well as further bodies of knowledge and research in general. I believe in and support what LISA strives to accomplish and hope that administrators see the value in both their work and mission.

-- Mark M. Managuio Virginia Tech 2013 | Political Science, Legal Studies & Sociology Dual Degree

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 11:33 AM

Hello Dr. Winistorfer,

Greetings!  I am writing to show my support for Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis or LISA.  During my Ph.D. study at Virginia Tech, I have received tremendous help from the volunteer consultants at LISA, which had furthered my understanding on some very powerful statistical analysis methods and tools that constitutes an important part of my dissertation.  I firmly believe that LISA is a very special and universally helpful practice on Virginia Tech campus.  It deserves sufficient and secured funding for its continuous growth, which eventually benefits our college and Virginia Tech as well.

Sincerely, Qingqing Li, Ph.D. in Sustainable Biomaterials

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 11:41 AM

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing in support of the mission, and funding, of the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA).  As a student, I have personally used the consulting service and attended short courses and found LISA to be an invaluable resource.  I understand that funding is limited and that hard decisions must be made as to allocation, but if my experience is an indicator of a larger pattern, I believe this project deserves funding priority.

Dr. Joseph Loferski, who was my major Professor during my doctoral studies, concurs and asked me to add his endorsement to this email.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

John Bouldin Post-Doctoral Research Associate Department of Sustainable Biomaterials

Joseph R. Loferski Professor Department of Sustainable Biomaterials

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 12:13 PM

Dear Professors DePauw, Walters, McNamee, Sorensen, and Taylor,

I am writing to support the continuation of permanent funding for Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistics (LISA).  I have made use of LISA’s services on a number of occasions over the past few years and have found them to be very helpful to my publication efforts, saving me substantial time, pointing me on the track of correct and viable statistical analyses and tools, and resulting in the submission of high quality journal publications.  I believe the LISA service will continue to be of great value to me personally on my future projects and to the Virginia Tech research community in general.

With kind regards

Alan Abrahams

----- Alan S. Abrahams, BBusSc (Cape Town) PhD (Cambridge) Assistant Professor, Business Information Technology Dept, Virginia Tech

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 12:21 PM

Dear Dean Grant,

I am writing in support of LISA,  Virginia Tech's Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis.  I utilized LISA while earning a doctoral degree in entomology (received May 2011).

I found the help of graduate students working via LISA to be helpful in a variety of ways.  By having to explain my research to statisticians, it helped me learn to articulate my research better.  Their questions helped me better plan future work and understand how to appropriately analyze my work.  This was extremely valuable for the students who helped, as well, since they learned about actual needs and often had to do research or talk with colleagues to determine the most appropriate methodology or program for analyzing.

It is a tremendous model utilizing university know-how to support other branches of university work while also honing the skills and credibility of the university's statisticians who are no doubt more successful in their careers based on this valuable experience. It also ensures that other graduate students gain better skills in statistics by having the chance to work closely with LISA student staff.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to continue supporting LISA.

Nancy Adamson, PhD

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 12:34 PM

I have sent the following endorsement to Dean Benson, the Provost, Senior VP Walters and Dean DePauw:

"ISA, the Virginia Tech Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statical Analysis has been of critical assistance in the preparation of a proposal developed by the Advanced Research instate for the US Department of Energy. Members of the LISA provided prompt and excellent advise on the organization of the statistical component of evaluation of data on solar technology diffusion related to local regulatory policy. LISA helped our group to respond to a specific requirement of the RFP and allowed us to demonstrate the required capability in statistical analysis. LISA provides a very valuable support in both the development and execution of research proposal"

Frederick Krimgold

---------------------------------------------------- Dr. Frederick Krimgold Director Disaster Risk Reduction Program (DRR) Virginia Tech Advanced Research Institute (ARI)

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 12:46 PM

Dear Mr. Ms.,

I have just started grad school this semester and LISA short courses and walk-in advice have been fundamental for the progress of my research.

Hope LISA will keep providing their services in the years to come.

Best Regards,

Davide -- Davide Pu

Graduate Research Assistant - Air Transportation Systems Lab Via Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 1:09 PM

Dear Dean Chang:

In 2011–2012, I utilized LISA's services for my Virginia Tech Honors senior thesis. The graduate students who assisted me with the statistical breakdown and interpretation of survey data relating to my work were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. It was a pleasure to interact with LISA that year, and I hope you take this into consideration when deciding whether to continue offering LISA services at Virginia Tech.

Sincerely, Philipp Kotlaba Virginia Tech Class of 2012

Dear Dr. Rowlands,

I would like to express my gratitude for providing statistical help to VT's students, faculty, and staff members through LISA.

One of my best experiences at Virginia Tech is receiving statistical help/reassurance from LISA's staff/Graduate students.

Thank you again

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 2:16 PM

Dear Drs. McNamee, Walters, and DePauw:

This letter is to encourage greater University support for LISA, the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis.  Over the years, LISA has been of great value to my students who have needed statistical support in order to appropriately conduct their analyses or to get confirmation that their analytical approach was appropriate.

LISA's efforts also have had a direct effect on my efforts recently. In the past year I found myself in a statistical argument with an editor. It was very helpful to present my data to LISA staff who in turn gave me both the means to better articulate the soundness of my methodology and greater credibility when dealing with the editor.

LISA provides important services to faculty and students, and the university should make support of statistical consulting a priority.

Thank you for your consideration of this issue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ John Fike, Ph. D. Forage-Livestock and Biofuels Research Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences

Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 3:09 PM

Dear Dr. Hallerman,

May i address my personal experience with Lisa's services? I have taken LISA short courses and used LISA consultancy for my research.  I have learned a lot from their short courses and applied the specifically statistic methods in my research. I also received multiple service from LISA that certainly improved the quality of my research papers. So,  I strongly suggest our department, college, graduate school and university to continuously support and strengthen LISA services  in the future.

-- Dan Hua Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Center Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 9:05 AM

Dear all,   It is my intention to inform that I have had the pleasure of using LISA's services for statistical collaboration and have been humbled by the help, attention to detail, and great care given to me as a client.

It is almost as if my collaborators were on my PhD. committee, a testament to how much individual focus was given to me.

Further, all contacts I have made with LISA collaborators and administration have been met with prompt, courteous, and productive responses.

It is an understatement to say that LISA is an important facet of the Virginia Tech research community.  Thus, it is imperative that LISA receives strong consideration for increased and permanent funding. It is money that will only result in the best statistical analysis of important research at Virginia Tech.   Thank you all for your time.  

Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 10:14 AM

This message is to express my support for the continuation of the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis, or LISA. I have attended short courses run by LISA and found them quite helpful. I think the existence of LISA's walk-in statistical consulting is a valuable asset for the Virginia Tech research community, and can only serve to strengthen the quality of our research and thus our standing within domestic and international research circles. Please consider supporting LISA.

Sincerely, Andrea J. Tiwari

Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 1:52 PM

Dear Dr. Chang, Dr. McNamee, Dr. Walters, and Dr. DePauw,

I would like to voice my support for the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA). I have found collaborations and walk-in consulting to be an invaluable resource as I analyze my data for my doctoral work. Other than the library and perhaps software distribution, I can think of no other resource that has been as useful to me. LISA certainly merits long-term administrative and financial support at VT.

Sincerely, Bonnie Fairbanks

Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 1:58 PM

Dear Dr. McNamee, Dr. Walters, and Dr. DePauw,

I am writing to express my support for increased and permanent funding for LISA, Virginia Tech's Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis.  I have benefited as an undergraduate researcher and now as a graduate student from statistical collaboration with LISA, walk-in consulting, and two of the educational short courses.

As an undergraduate, I worked as a research assistant on a collaborative project between Virginia Tech's Office of International Research, Education, & Development (OIRED) Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Collaborative Research Support Program (SANREM-CRSP) and the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute's Network Dynamics and Simulation Science Laboratory (VBI-NDSSL).  Lacking a background in statistics, I faced many challenges while researching, including learning to program in the statistical software R and designing regression experiments.  LISA proved to be an invaluable resource in this process.  I attended two short courses on R, took advantage of the walk-in advice, and met with a statistical collaborator several times about my research.

As a graduate student in the Master of Public Health program at Virginia Tech, I hope to continue to be able to seek advice from LISA collaborators. I often recommend LISA to fellow students and researchers, citing the positive experiences I have had with the classes and consultations.  I believe that LISA is an extremely useful resource for student researchers who may have complex research problems and questions but perhaps have limited experience using advanced statistical methods.

Thank you for your time.

Jessie Gunter

Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 4:36 PM

Dean Davis, Provost McNamee, Dr. Walters, Dean DePauw,

I would like to express my continued support for VT's Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis program, an important partner in my dissertation research.  Thanks to LISA, the statistical model portion of my draft dissertation is one of its strongest components. If it wasn't for LISA, I would not be in a position to graduate this fall.  I am sure that other statistically-challenged graduate students could attest to similar stories.  

Thank you for your consideration.

Jack O'Byrne | 311/CRM Industry Specialist

Fri, Mar 29, 2013 at 10:40 PM

Dean DePauw,

As a graduate student at Virginia Tech I have utilized the LISA office on a number of occasions.  My advisor introduced me to the office and their services.  I met with a consulting team every semester throughout my two years as a Masters student.  I also attended some of the short courses that LISA offered.  

I think that the LISA office provides an invaluable service to graduate students.  I hope that you will continue to support the office with additional resources and future funding!

I would be happy to talk with your further about my experience with LISA and their amazing staff.

-- Kelsey Church Brunton Graduate Research Assistant for VALOR Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results Department of Agricultural and Extension Education

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 8:59 AM

I am discouraged to hear that the LISA program may not continue to be funded in the future.  This support has been extremely helpful to me in completing my dissertation.  The response back from the management team and the individual technicians has been exceptional.  With my tentative prospectus exam to be scheduled in April 2013 and my defense to be completed by Fall 2013, I am anxious to find out the future of this wonderful support program.

For the current and future students in need of LISA, please reconsider changes to funding in support of this program.

Jason Perry Vice President, Workforce and Community Development Rappahannock Community College

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 12:45 PM

Warm wishes. I am writing this email in support of continued funding for LISA (Laboratory for interdisciplinary statistical analysis).

I have personally benefited from LISA in the form of guidance that I received while I was working as a post doc in ECE for Dr. Stilwell. In March 2011, I was advised by Dr. George Terrell through LISA in formulating a proof for a publication. The publication eventually got accepted in the IEEE American Control Conference. Dr. Terrell not only confirmed a proof that I had written and sent to him through LISA, but also pointed out a more efficient and insightful way of proving it. This not only made my research more productive but was also a great learning experience.

Given my experience, I am strongly recommending continued funding for LISA, as such guidance and support on statistical issues is a great asset for engineering research and learning.

Apoorva Shende

Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 2:57 PM

I am writing to tell you about my personal experience with LISA in the hope that funding for this invaluable service will be continued.

My first experience with LISA was in walk-in consulting held in Cafe X where I met someone who specializes in experimental design. He helped me think more clearly about what I'm trying to get from my experiments and what options there are for going about achieving my goals. The process of experimental design has been a long one for me, but I know that when I have questions about how to use statistics for my specific situation I can ask someone at LISA.

Though I have learned much from my statistics courses, there is nothing like being able to sit down with an expert, or have a refresher course, when you are at the point in your research where you are actually ready to talk about statistics.

LISA enables me to invent the future. Please continue to provide funding for LISA.

Sincerely, Catherine Twyman

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Hello. I am writing to you on behalf of LISA, Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis, a program offered through the Statistics Department at Virginia Tech. This program provides excellent statistical consultation to Virginia Tech research laboratories at no cost.

In 2009, as a postdoc at VT, I met with Eric Vance, the head of the program, and two additional LISA consultants to discuss how to best arrange my project and how I would analyze results that would come. This experiment was complex, involving a number of different variables, so we wanted to be sure that we were correctly preparing the project, and could correctly analyze the results. Ultimately, we were successful in our endeavor, leading to a publication.

This is a great program, and a real asset for the University. By providing consultation, researchers can plan their experiments to ensure that sufficient numbers of replicates are used, so that wasteful efforts to later go back and repeat experiments, which cost time and money, do not occur. Also, when excellent statistical analysis is provided, papers can more smoothly pass through the review process, allowing them to be published faster and with less effort spent on revision.

I hope that you will continue to support the LISA program as a great tool for helping Va Tech to maintain research excellence for years to come.

Andy Mead, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate Rutgers University

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 at 9:23 AM

To whom it may concern:

I am writing this email because I was asked to give to you my opinion about the LISA program.

I want to tell you that I have been using LISA's services (collaboration and attending short courses). The resources that our University offers to graduate students are very helpful to increase our knowledge in statistics topics and help to sort statistic issues in the research. People leading both resources (the collaboration program as short courses) are professionals and willing to help students all times.

Please, feel free to contact me if you want more information.

Rosana Paola Pineda Tuirán Graduate Student Department of Horticulture Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Laboratory of Rhizosphere and Soil Microbial Ecology

Tue, Apr 2, 2013 at 12:07 PM

The LISA walk-in program helped me immensely in understanding how to use the JMP statistical program. I would have been lost without it. Please continue the walk-in program.

Yvonne Hodgkins

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 8:20 AM

I wanted to send out a brief message to mention my support for the services provided by LISA.  As a Biological Sciences graduate student I utilized the accesible nature of LISA to gain expert analysis for especially complicated data analysis.  Furthermore, despite the fact that I was a walk-in, the LISA advisors made sure I understood and taught me how to perform the analyses for future use.  In the end I was able to use the expertise and training I got from one formal meeting at LISA and a few email follow-ups to complete thorough data analysis for two published manuscripts.

For the time and effort required it was probably the most productive event in my whole graduate career.   Sincerely, Jared Heffron, Ph.D. Senior Scientist Novozymes Biologicals

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 10:23 AM

Dean DePauw: I am contacting you to express my support for Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA). LISA has been invaluable in providing statistical support services for my graduate students and our research activities. LISA has also been an active collaborator in Virginia Tech’s Rebuilding Higher Education in Agriculture in the South Sudan project, which will be bringing South Sudanese faculty to Virginia Tech for graduate studies – hopefully some in statistics. I would like to express my gratitude for the support that the graduate school has provided LISA. This has been an excellent investment in my opinion and I would encourage the graduate school to continue and expand this support. LISA provides excellent support to graduate students who request assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about how LISA has helped my programs. theo

____________________________________

Theo A. Dillaha, Ph.D., P.E. Professor of Biological Systems Engineering

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 11:44 AM

Dean Grant and Vice President McNamee:

The LISA lab has several times helped me design studies and then made suggestions on how to analyze the data from the studies.  I have them written into a funded grant that will be done this fall.  Eric Vance has always gone out of his way to make helpful suggestions on how to improve survey designs.  I appreciate and use their work and hope you will continue funding for LISA.

Dan Kauffman Ph.D. Extension Seafood Business Specialist Virginia Tech Virginia Seafood Agriculture Research and Extension Center

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM

I think LISA is a great idea for students who need help with research. I am a graduate student in Electrical Engineering and I took a course in Statistics thinking that would directly help with my research work. Though the class was really good and I enjoyed it, it left some of my doubts uncleared. LISA came to my rescue and I was able to complete my research work with help from those guys there!

Thank you so much and I hope you keep up the good work.

Regards, Rakesh Sehgal

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 7:51 PM

Hi there,   I am a graduate student in Environmental Engineering. But I still have to do a lot of statistical tests on my data from my experiment. I went to the short course provided by LISA and got some useful tips to deal with my data. I really appreciate that. So please keep LISA in Virginia Tech.   Thanks,   MIN

-- Min Tang Graduate Research Assistant Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Program Civil and Environmental Engineering Department

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 9:16 PM

I am writing in support of the LISA workshops. I attended the workshops for the very first time this semester. I have not taken a statistics course for many years now. The LISA workshops were "refresher" courses. The instructors provided an engaging format and were helpful in addressing my questions. I have not taken quantitative research but I am taking mixed methods research this semester where a component of the course require students to know quantitative I.  The instructors reviewed t-tests, ANOVA, regression, data mining, etc.so I feel that the workshops have prepared me for quantitative research.

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 10:18 PM

I'm writing this short note in support of increased and secure funding of the Virginia Tech Department of Statistics' LISA program.  I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Li (through LISA) on a pilot research project for the past year as part of my Cardiology fellowship training requirement.  I've completed that study, submitted an abstract to the 18th World Congress on Heart Disease, and is in the process of writing a manuscript which should be completed in the next month.  None of these would have been possible without the professional and timely assistance, as well as patient guidance of Dr. Li.  As a senior Cardiology fellow this coming academic year, I will continue to collaborate and strongly endorse LISA to my younger colleagues.  It is a fantastic resource to the academic community in the area.

Geoffrey T. Jao, MD, FACP Cardiology fellow, PGY-6 Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 10:27 PM

LISA has been a very useful place to consult various aspects of my research in the years past. LISA is important to maintain and expand  our research effort at VT.

I appreciate the support and help.

Simin Hall, PhD Research Assistant Professor Department of Mechanical Engineering

Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 10:54 PM

Dear Lisa team

This is to confirm my satisfaction and my support for everything that you are doing to provide help in your area of expertise at your fellows and peers from different departments all over the campus. More specifically, I attended some of your short courses and they were tremendously useful, especially for me as a PhD student, and I hope that my peers had the same feeling as me. If this is true for everyone who attended those courses, I think that the short courses and the help services (walk-in) provided by (LISA) deserves our support and must last for ever on the Blacksburg campus.

Best Regards

"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal"

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 7:06 AM

While a student working on my PhD at Virginia Tech, it was fortunate that I was able to consult with the wonderfully helpful folks at LISA.   They helped me understand and apply the principles of Factor Analysis to a measurement instrument I was designing to use in my dissertation study. I am very grateful to LISA for their help and support.  This is a very valuable service to have available for Virginia Tech student.   Sincerely,   Dr. Patricia E. Grace Independent Scholar and Educator [email protected] 828-505-0046

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 7:15 AM

Your statistical laboratory has been most helpful, especially among emeritus faculty. Your staff has been gracious and always available. This is a wonderful resource. It certainly deserves continued support.

J L Scarpaci

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 7:54 AM

I am an adjunct faculty member of Virginia Tech, working mostly with graduate student committees.  I was having a thorny problem with an analysis.  The kind that it is at the intersection of different statistical approaches and was holding up the acceptance of an important (to me) paper. I worked with an advisor at LISA for about a week off and on and figured the problem and a few others out.  The paper was easily accepted and I learned a lot to help me work on this issue by myself.

The service was rapid, authoritative, and kind.  I went to LISA because our institution does not have this type of service and it was recommended by a VTU graduate student.  In this day of ever increasing reliance on complex and ever-changing statistical approaches, a service like LISA is like gold. It enhances  scientific and scholarly output and efficiency by a great deal.

Russell Greenberg Head Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

And Adjunct Professor Virginia Tech University

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 11:24 AM

I'm writing to express my support for the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) at Virginia Tech.  

I was a PhD student in Planning, Governance, and Globalization at the VT Blacksburg campus from fall 2006 to the summer of 2009. My dissertation included a multiple regression analysis of survey responses and secondary data to identify the determinants for the adoption of local government policies to reduce their communities' greenhouse gas emissions.  I had two separate meetings with LISA staff to go over the details of my regression analysis and interpretation of results.  Their assistance was quite helpful, and I ultimately ended up thanking the LISA staff in the acknowledgements section of my final published dissertation.  I also attended a LISA short course at some point while I was at Virginia Tech, and while I recall that it also was helpful, I no longer remember the specific details of the course.

-- Dr. Damian Pitt, PhD, AICP Assistant Professor, Urban and Regional Planning L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Virginia Commonwealth University

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 2:31 PM

Dear LISA team,

I hope to thank you for your wonderful services to the VT community. I visited LISA 2 to 3 times in the past. I found your staff very responsive and helpful. I think it's an invaluable resource for research at VT. I chair our research committee at Cook Counseling Center. We are planning to spend more time on research this summer and I am looking forward to continuing collaboration with your team.  

Yanping Wang

Yanping Wang, Ph.D., LCP Staff Psychologist Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 at 10:03 AM

I apologize for my late response. LISA is AMAZING when you have the right folks helping out. The statiticians under your roof are very organized, cognizant of people's fears and great teachers. I speak of Yiming and Wei in particular. They were thorough in their questions and helping understand the methods to use SAS version 9.3. I would recommend them with the greatest honor. They took away my fear of using SAS!!! They should be commended for their ability to understand the problem and seek the answers without putting the customer under stress. So thank you LISA and Yiming and Wei.

Naina Bhandari

Sun, Apr 7, 2013 at 2:01 PM

Hi, thank you to the folks at LISA who have provided support to me in the following ways: 1) When I was transferring from using SPSS to JMP, they were able to provide valuable support in a short time-frame so that I was able to create a presentation on research results in a format that I was just learning. 2) LISA has provided invaluable support for some of my doctoral students in their dissertation work.

Thank you LISA!!!

Nancy Bodenhorn Associate Director, School of Education Office of Academic Programs Virginia Tech

Mon, Apr 8, 2013 at 10:54 AM

Hello, I wish to confirm the value of LISA for researchers in the humanities who increasingly use qualitative methods and statistical analysis. We are not necessarily trained to do this analysis, and LISA is essential for helping us bridge the gap between what we know and what we should know about designing studies and interpreting results. I have attended LISA workshops as a way to learn about the work my students are doing as well as to enhance my own understanding and capacity as a researcher.

Thank you for this invaluable support.

Carolyn Rude Professor of English

Mon, Apr 8, 2013 at 5:28 PM

Hello Everyone,

It is with pleasure that I write to show my personal support for the services provided by Virginia Tech’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis. As a doctoral candidate in adult learning and human resource development, I reached out to LISA in the late Spring of 2012 for assistance in the quantitative portion of my mixed method study. Both Zaili Fang and Albert Shen were assigned to me as statistical collaborators and were instrumental in helping me check the accuracy of my calculations and the soundness of my analysis. Since I live and work in Richmond, and took classes at the Northern Virginia Center, Zaili and Albert provided the kind of flexible meeting schedule that I needed via SKYPE, email and one time in person when I was on main campus for meetings. I will be forever grateful for their time and expertise and strongly support the continuation of these services to other students and faculty in our Virginia Tech community.

Best, Melissa

PS: I successfully defended my dissertation last week on April 4, 2013 and of course, both Zaili and Albert are mentioned in my acknowledgements!

Melissa Maybury Lubin, Ph.D.

Director, Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Center and Virginia Tech Richmond Center

Tue, Apr 9, 2013 at 6:25 PM

While I was at VT, LISA was of great use. The advisers took their time and were careful in understanding my problem and possible solutions. LISA is of great value to VT researchers and I hope the administration continues to support its work.

Sincerely, Brian Gerber

Tue, Apr 9, 2013 at 6:45 PM

The LISA service to the VT COS community is absolutely necessary. It has benefited both students and faculty, and improved substantially the quality of our publications. We all hope that this service will be preserved in the future. Iuliana Lazar

Tue, Apr 9, 2013 at 11:36 PM

LISA provides an invaluable service to the graduate community as a whole. The students who run the collaboration projects as well as the walk-in help sessions are very knowledgeable and skilled in data management and statistical techniques to solve research problems.  

As a master's student in applied economics, I have used LISA's resources many times, including two collaboration projects as well as numerous walk-in sessions. As a master's student, my advisors expect research to be done pretty independently and often times are too busy to provide hands-on guidance. LISA has been so helpful to me in outlining, illustrating, and explaining the methods, step-by-step, to me.  The students are exceedingly well trained and provide thoughtful analysis.

Frankly, I would not have been able to orchestrate my research projects without the help of the LISA walk-in sessions and collaboration teams. In my opinion, a rescinding of funds would hurt the quality of research that comes out of Va Tech as a whole.

Sally Brady

Sun, Apr 14, 2013 at 4:16 PM

Hello Sir/Madam,

This email serves as a way for me to emphasise on how LISA has been useful to me in my doctoral research so far. I still plan on using it and wanted to join the crowd of recommendations that this program should not only be maintained, but receive more funding to grow more. This will not only help us students in the quality of the work we generate, and in return increase the calibre of future generations of scientist  graduating from Virginia Tech.

Regards, Jeannette Nounagnon

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Dear Colleague Letter: Funding Opportunities for Science and Engineering Research with Impact on Women's Health

March 18, 2024

Dear Colleagues:

With this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), in response to the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research , the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) encourages the submission of research and education proposals related to women's health. Despite making up more than half of the population, women are historically understudied and underrepresented in health research. The historical exclusion of women from scientific and biomedical research studies, combined with the undervaluation of research that advances knowledge on conditions that uniquely, differentially, or disproportionately affect women, has resulted in significant knowledge and health gaps. Addressing these research gaps will ultimately advance the health, prosperity, and welfare of all.

NSF continues to support fundamental science and engineering research with implications for women's health. This DCL reaffirms NSF's commitment to fund discovery, innovation, and research translation on topics of relevance to women's health, from the molecular to the ecosystem level, including input from the full range of science, engineering, and education that NSF supports. Pioneering the next generation of discoveries in women's health will require a sustained effort focusing on the socioeconomic impact of women's health, breaking down disciplinary boundaries in carrying out the necessary research to advance understanding of relevant questions, and building a diverse STEM workforce committed to advancing women's health and the health of a citizens.

The National Science Foundation encourages the submission of fundamental research and education proposals related to women's health topics, including, but not limited to, proposals in the following areas:

• Projects that develop a well-informed citizenry and a diverse and capable STEM workforce that will pioneer the next generation of discoveries in women's health.
• Science and engineering approaches and novel computational models that elucidate factors that interact with and impact women's health, such as studies that examine the genetic, epigenetic, biological, economic, societal, and environmental determinants of women's health and cognition.
• Holistic approaches to women's health and development, including aging, by moving beyond diagnostics and disease management to include novel methods for discovery and monitoring. This includes, but is not limited to, wearable devices, and other types of sensing and imaging technologies that improve early detection, as well as telehealth platforms that broaden accessibility and promote women's health.
• Foundational and transformative research that advances our understanding of engineering biomechanics and/or mechanobiology related to women's health.
• Advanced biomanufacturing of cells, tissues, or organs relevant to women's health.
• Engineering research that advances the understanding of injury mechanisms and rehabilitation technologies for health conditions and disabilities that affect women.
• Development of validated models (living or computational) of healthy and pathological cells, tissues, and organ systems relevant to women's health that improve the understanding of these systems.
• Projects on novel computational approaches (i.e. multi-level and multiscale data, sensing, prediction) that examine the effects of women's health on mental and physical development across the life span and that support health decision making.
• Projects that foster partnerships with government, industry, nonprofits, civil society, and communities of practice to leverage, energize, and rapidly bring to society use-inspired research and innovation that may include, but are not limited to, innovations that enable fundamental research of women's health topics, and breakthrough technologies designed for women.
• Transdisciplinary approaches to environmental change challenges and opportunities to improve understanding of climate, environment, and health pathways to protect and promote women's health, such as research that elucidates mechanisms and/or prevention of pollution transport/exposure implicated in adverse health outcomes.
• Studies that assess theories and models of health, aging, disease, and disease transmission at multiple scales (populational, generational, transgenerational, and geographical), from the molecular to the ecosystem level, including the interaction of environment on molecular scale phenomena.
• Research that seeks to advance knowledge about the processes that shaped biological diversity in living and ancient human species such as effects of life history transitions on women's health; intergenerational effects of violence, stress, and maternal health; and impacts of biocultural context on women's health, reproduction, and epigenetics.
• Research to advance theory on design and management of organizations such as how gendered aging symptoms may affect women's experience at work and in other environments.
• Research and research infrastructure to advance basic knowledge in bias, prejudice, and discrimination directed toward women as well as the intersection of gender and other identities; dynamics of close interpersonal relationships and women's health; and power in relationships.

NSF welcomes proposals that broaden geographic and demographic participation to engage the full spectrum of diverse talent in STEM. Proposals from minority-serving institutions , emerging research institutions , primarily undergraduate institutions, two-year colleges, and institutions in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions , along with collaborations between these institutions and those in non-EPSCoR jurisdictions, are encouraged.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION AND RELEVANT NSF PROGRAMS AND CONTACTS

This DCL does not constitute a new competition or program. Proposals submitted in response to this DCL should be prepared and submitted in accordance with guidelines in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and instructions found in relevant NSF funding opportunities. Investigators who wish to submit proposals on any of these topics, or others related to women's health, are strongly encouraged to reach out to the cognizant NSF Program Officer(s) listed in the relevant funding opportunity to discuss the fit of their ideas to existing program. Specific programs and opportunities list these contacts. For assistance in determining program suitability for a proposal concept, researchers are encouraged to utilize the NSF "Program Suitability & Proposal Concept Tool (ProSPCT) at https://suitability.nsf.gov/s/ . Note that NSF has limitations on the scope of health-related projects that can be submitted to participating programs. More information on these limitations can be found in "Introduction, Part A: about the National Science Foundation" in the PAPPG. In addition to these limitations, investigators should also review new information regarding human subjects in NSF-funded research at https://new.nsf.gov/funding/research-involving-human-subjects .

Susan Marqusee, Assistant Director Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO)

Dilma Da Silva, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE)

Susan Margulies, Assistant Director Directorate for Engineering (ENG)

James Luther Moore, Assistant Director Directorate for STEM Education (EDU)

C. Denise Caldwell, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS)

Kendra Sharp, Office Head Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE)

Alicia Knoedler, Office Head Office of Integrated Activities (OIA)

Sylvia M. Butterfield, Acting Assistant Director Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE)

Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP)