Grants boring? ‘Not when it comes to achieving your dream’
grant support
Applying for a research grant seems like a lot of work and a dull task, especially if you're relatively inexperienced in the field. Luckily, Tjeerd Rijpma, grant advisor at FGGA, is here to help.
Hello Tjeerd, how did you end up at FGGA?
‘I have been involved in the grant sector for many years, since the mid-nineties. I originally studied economics and business administration, before working in banking, though I quickly realised that wasn’t my true calling. Eventually, I began working with grants in the province of Flevoland, and I’ve continued in this field ever since, providing advisory and operational support at all levels.’
What does a typical workday look like for you?
‘My day is highly varied. In addition to providing direct grant advice to researchers, I’m also involved in setting up a faculty Research Support Office (RSO). When I first joined FGGA, there was no central hub for grants, so I picked up a project to address this gap, which I am currently developing. First, I needed to assess what was needed—what is already in place, and what are the needs? After several discussions with colleagues, I am now refining the plan, and I hope to present it at FGGA in the coming months.’
What kind of support is needed?
‘Young researchers often don’t know where to begin, since experience is required to navigate both national and European grants. Once you have experience, it becomes more manageable, but most researchers don’t submit major applications few times a year. Personally, I find it most rewarding to help researchers achieve their aspirations. Together, we develop a plan and address questions such as, what aligns with your career goals? This aspect isn’t always sufficiently highlighted.’
How will the Research Support Office be structured?
‘The ideal is to create a central helpdesk where researchers can easily find support for every aspect of the grant process. This could range from advice to project management, budget preparation, developing a data management plan, addressing ethical considerations, and aligning internal criteria. For instance, the salary rates set by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) differ from those at the university, so that mismatch needs to be addressed beforehand.’
‘For many researchers, applying for grants is not their primary focus, but the support they receive is crucial to their research. While mandatory presentations and accountability requirements are not always enjoyable, I can assist in streamlining these tasks and take much of the administrative burden off their shoulders.’
If you could give researchers one lifehack for grants, what would it be?
‘It’s essential to recognise that many elements support your research but are not directly part of the research itself. A grant is simply the tool that enables you to realise your vision. Your project plan is not the same as your grant application, and adopting this mindset is vital. Once researchers understand this distinction, it becomes less of a chore.’
What do you enjoy most about your role?
‘There are two main aspects I find most rewarding. The first is the individual advisory process, where I am able to assist and collaborate closely with researchers. I often take on the role of devil’s advocate to encourage critical thinking around their applications. Secondly, I enjoy the business aspect—setting up and organising the Research Support Office itself.’
Daniela Vicherat Mattar about research support:
‘The grant advisor at central level and my institute manager informed me about Tjeerd. He helped me in my recent European Research Council consolidator application, which is still under evaluation. Tjeerd has been very attentive to the process and offered help at various stages (including a panic moment at the very end before submission). He is a good reader to make the application something more than just a good research project. I would surely reach out to Tjeerd in the future, it is always good to get feedback from people not solely in your field.’