Dr. Ani continues to advance her commitment to research excellence and capacity development through active participation at workshops and conferences. During the Glotan–Durban University of Technology Joint Conference on Climate Change and Economic Management for a Sustainable Future, held in Durban, South Africa, Dr. Ani facilitated a capacity-building session titled “Writing Grant-Winning Proposals,” designed to equip academics, early-career researchers, and development practitioners with practical skills for securing competitive research funding.
The session addressed the growing need for high-quality, fundable research proposals capable of responding to complex global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.
Dr. Ani’s presentation provided participants with a structured approach to grant writing, emphasizing strategic alignment with funders’ priorities, clarity in research problem formulation, and methodological rigor. She also offered practical insights into budgeting and justification, dissemination planning, and common weaknesses that often undermine otherwise promising proposals.
Key thematic areas covered during the session included:
- Pre-Proposal Planning: Understanding eligibility criteria, aligning research ideas with donor priorities, and adhering to timelines.
- Proposal Structuring: Clearly articulating research motivation, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions.
- Budget Development and Justification: Ensuring coherence between project activities and financial plans.
- Common Pitfalls in Grant Writing: Identifying and avoiding frequent causes of proposal rejection.
- Responding to Rejection: Building resilience and effectively incorporating reviewer feedback into revised submissions.
A major highlight of the session was the emphasis on resilience in the grant application process. Drawing on professional experience, Dr. Ani encouraged participants to view rejection as part of scholarly growth and a pathway to improved funding success.
The session was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and sharing lived experiences of grant writing challenges. Feedback from attendees highlighted the session’s practical orientation, mentorship-driven approach, and relevance to contemporary research funding landscapes.
Dr. Ani’s participation in this international conference reflects her ongoing dedication to strengthening research capacity, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting scholars to produce impactful, fundable research that contributes to sustainable development outcomes.