Grant Writing Incubator - Write 2 Win

Turn your research idea into a competitive grant proposal

You have a promising research idea, you know which funding scheme you want to apply for - but you do not find time and space to turn your ideas into a coherent proposal? The Grant Writing Incubator gives you exactly that: dedicated time to write, targeted input, individual support, and constructive feedback. Step away from your daily routines for focused days and move your proposal forward.

What is the Grant Writing Incubator?

The Grant Writing Incubator is an intensive writing format for researchers who are preparing a concrete grant proposal. Rather than attending a traditional grant writing workshop, you will spend most of your time working directly on your own proposal. Short expert and peer inputs, peer exchange and feedback, and individual writing consultations complement extended writing sessions. By the end of the Grant Writing Incubator, you should have made substantial progress toward a coherent and competitive proposal – ideally leaving with a solid draft ready for the next step toward submission.

Is the Grant Writing Incubator right for you?

The Grant Writing Incubator is designed for researchers who are ready to move from a well-developed project idea to a concrete funding application. It is particularly suitable if:

• you already have a clearly developed research project in mind
• you have identified a suitable funding scheme
• you know the relevant submission requirements and evaluation criteria
• you have discussed your project with the relevant stakeholders like your supervisor 
• your eligibility for the selected funding scheme has been clarified with the HZDR department International Collaboration and Research Funding
• you are ready to dedicate several consecutive days to actively writing your proposal.

The Grant Writing Incubator is not an introductory workshop on research funding and is not intended for participants who are still looking for a funding program or an initial project idea.

Interested in joining the next Grant Writing Incubator?

The Grant Writing Incubator experience – In their own words

Researchers who have already joined, share what helped them, what they took away, and how the Incubator moved their proposal forward.

"Participating in the 2026 Grant Writing Incubator was much more eye-opening than I expected. I initially joined thinking that the main goal would be to learn how to structure a grant proposal and, most importantly, to finally have dedicated time to writing. Almost as much as I learned about grant writing, I learned about myself and the way I work.

One of the most valuable aspects for me was realizing that there is no single correct way to be productive. Through the one-to-one meetings with Janine, I had the opportunity to reflect on why I sometimes struggle to focus and to experiment with different strategies that actually fit the way my brain works. For someone who has often questioned their own attention abilities and even wondered about ADHD, being encouraged to find my own rhythm rather than forcing myself into a conventional working style was incredibly valuable.

The Incubator gave us the freedom to work at our own pace, take breaks, move, exercise, reflect, and return to our proposals with a clearer mind. That flexibility made me much more aware of what helps me focus and what drains my energy. At the same time, it never felt like an individual struggle. There was a very strong sense of “we are all in this together.” We motivated each other when someone was stuck, celebrated small breakthroughs, exchanged ideas, and somehow kept each other moving forward. I left with practical tools for grant writing, but also with a better understanding of myself, my working habits, and how I can create conditions in which I actually function well. For me, that was one of the most valuable and unexpected outcomes of the experience." Dr. Ayşe Sedef Köseer, participant in 2026

"The 2025 Grant Writing Incubator was an incredibly useful experience. Learning directly from professional grant writers provided practical, high-level insights into structuring competitive proposals. Beyond the expert instruction, the peer-to-peer feedback was incredible, I gained many actionable insights from fellow participants, and I am still in touch with several colleagues I met through the program. It provided practical tools into navigating proposal development, structuring competitive applications, and refining my project vision. I'd highly recommend it to any researcher looking to strengthen their grant writing skills." Dr. Ielizaveta Gorodetska, Group Leader “Biomarkers for the individualised radiotherapy” (since 2026) funded by DFG

"One of the most valuable aspects of the Grant Writing Incubator for me was learning how important it is to share ideas early and actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and colleagues. Before the program, I often felt hesitant about exposing an unfinished idea to others. The incubator helped me move past that fear and see feedback as an essential part of developing and strengthening a proposal." Dr. Milad Eftekhari, Young Investigator Group "Efficient copper flotation in water-scarce regions through the innovative use of process water (ECuFlot)" (since 2026) funded by the BMFTR