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See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

Winter/Spring 2027 Grant Fellows Workshop for Early-Career Cornell Faculty

Develop the skills, strategy and confidence to compete for research funding

The Grant Fellows Workshop is a cohort-based professional development workshop series designed to help early-career Cornell faculty navigate the grant development process from concept to submission. Through seven interactive workshops, practical exercises, and discussions with research development professionals and experienced faculty, participants will learn how to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, understand the proposal review process, and build a sustainable funding strategy.

What past participants are saying

“I didn't know anything about grants (literally). The coordinators were wonderful. I feel extremely prepared to pursue funding from this point forward. Thank you for the amazing opportunity!”
— 2026 Grant Fellows Workshop Participant


Who should apply?

Assistant Professors who:

  • Have been at Cornell for at least one year
  • Have a research idea they are ready to pursue
  • Plan to pursue competitive external research funding within the next year
  • Would benefit from structured guidance on grant writing and proposal development
  • No prior grant-writing experience is required

What you'll gain

Funding Strategy

  • Identify and evaluate funding opportunities
  • Understand sponsor priorities
  • Develop a research funding roadmap

Proposal Development

  • Craft compelling proposal narratives
  • Strengthen project summaries and research plans
  • Develop competitive proposal strategies

Proposal Review & Submission

  • Gain insight into how proposals are reviewed and evaluated
  • Learn about budgets and supporting documents
  • Navigate proposal preparation and submission requirements

Community & Connections

  • Connect with peers from across Cornell
  • Engage with research development professionals
  • Build a network of colleagues pursuing external funding

Program details

  • Dates: Fridays, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    January 29, February 5, February 12, February 26, March 5, March 12, and March 26, 2027
  • Location: Atkinson Hall
  • Format: Interactive sessions featuring presentations, facilitated discussions, hands-on activities, peer engagement, and practical proposal development exercises.

Facilitators

  • Gayle Fagan
    Director of Research Development
    Office of the Vice President for Research
  • Tiffany Fleming
    Director of Research Development
    College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research and Innovation Office

Application information

  • Application Deadline: November 20, 2026
  • Participation is limited to 14 faculty members.
  • Full attendance at all seven sessions is expected.

The Grant Fellows Workshop is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Office of the Provost's Faculty Development and Diversity, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research and Innovation Office. Questions or accessibility requests? Email cals_rio [at] cornell.edu.