Writing a research proposal involves more than presenting a promising idea. Understanding what funders expect and why applications fall short can be just as important. These were among the key lessons explored at the five-day Discovery Research Support Hub (DRSH) Grant Writing Retreat, held from 19 to 23 October 2026 at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme in Blantyre.
Among the participants were three researchers from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS): Prof. Theresa Mkandawire, Dr. Flemmings Ngwira and Dr. Chimwemwe Msosa, who joined early- and mid-career researchers from other institutions for the retreat.
Prof. Mkandawire said the retreat offered insights beyond the mechanics of writing a proposal. Reflecting on the experience, she described it as “very worthwhile and exceeded my expectations,” highlighting the sessions on why proposals fail to secure funding.
Participants explored funders’ priorities and expectations, common pitfalls in proposal development, and what reviewers look for in successful applications. A presentation by the Wellcome Trust was a particular highlight for Prof. Mkandawire, adding to the practical insights gained throughout the retreat.
The programme also covered refining research questions, aims and objectives, improving proposal structure and coherence, and aligning applications with funder expectations. Expert and peer feedback provided opportunities to strengthen proposals, while sessions on budgeting, grantsmanship and research impact broadened participants’ understanding of the funding process.
The benefits of the experience are expected to extend beyond the participants’ individual applications. Prof. Mkandawire said the retreat had enhanced her knowledge and skills in research proposal writing, and she intends to use what she learned to support other researchers. As she put it, “I look forward to applying these insights to my own funding applications and using them to mentor and support others in developing competitive research proposals.”
The participation of the MUBAS researchers highlights the importance of strengthening researchers’ capacity to translate ideas into competitive funding proposals. By applying the knowledge gained and sharing it with colleagues, they can contribute to building research capacity and supporting future funding efforts at MUBAS.