MRC tips on how to get research funding

Developing and nurturing research culture among local researchers is one of the main objectives of the Mauritius Research Council (MRC).

Over the coming weeks, around 190 local researchers who want to apply for funds locally, regionally and internationally will be trained by experts from the University of Mauritius (UOM), University of Technology, Mauritius and MRC.

In this context, the MRC Research Grant Application Course was launched on Thursday at Ebène to enable the youngsters to acquire the necessary writing skills for research proposals.

Areas in which training courses will be provided include biological science, economics and finance, agriculture and environment, engineering, sustainable development and ICT.

“We want to teach people how to write research proposals when applying for funds. People may have an excellent idea but if they cannot put it on paper for sponsors or donors to read and understand, it will only remain an idea,” stated Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, executive director of MRC.

He pointed out that the MRC is trying to foster a research culture by having the right people, infrastructure, environment and motivation for people to undertake research.

“You need to have the writing style so that you can promote the idea. The way an engineer would present his idea will be different from that of an economist or a scientist. It is important to distinguish between the different writing styles. We have assembled experts who through their experience and expertise will disseminate and inculcate the new writing style in our young and local researchers,” highlighted the executive director.

Dr Rajesh Jeetah, minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology also welcomed the MRC initiative.

“Research has become a must and obtaining a research grant is a very competitive process. Clarity and focus are two important elements when making a research proposal,” said Jeetah. The target group includes academics, research students and private and parastatal bodies interested in research.

Anjani Soondur, finance lecturer at UoM said, “Being new in the field, I think it will be a good experience and will help me write a research proposal in the future”.