Preproposal

 

 

Pre-proposal Instructions

 

Those interested in submitting a proposal to the IVS must first submit a pre-proposal.

Pre-proposals should be no more than two pages long, plus title page. They must follow the format below, each section beginning with the indicated heading. Otherwise, they will be returned without review.

 

Please tell us the following, using language understandable to non-experts:

 

• What hypothesis do you propose and why do you propose it?

• Why is your proposal of earth-shaking significance?

• Briefly, how will you test your hypothesis?

• Which field of science or group of scientists does your proposal challenge?

 

Please submit your pre-proposal as an email attachment, to preproposals@ivsci.org. A title page should include your name, contact information, and pre-proposal title. Be sure to append your resume or CV when you submit.

 

A few suggestions for preparation:

 

1. Scope. We are seeking proposals that have the capacity to turn conventional thinking upside down. Proposals with modest goals will not receive favorable evaluation. Nor will proposals with weak rationale. We understand that a two-page proposal cannot include comprehensive supporting arguments. (These will be requested later at the full proposal stage.)

 

2. Clarity. Reviewers of your pre-proposal may include people outside your field. Acronyms, abbreviations, jargon and the like not defined in the document should not be used. It goes without saying that unclear pre-proposals will not be favorably reviewed. To reach the next stage, you will need to use clear writing to convince reviewers that you have a potentially powerful idea that could reshape scientific thinking.

 

3. Technology. We do not support technology development, although we understand that new technologies may arise from your research. Successful applications will generally propose testable hypotheses on fundamental scientific concepts rather than on development of technology.

 

4. Feedback. Expect brief comments on your pre-proposal. Regrettably, we have no capacity to respond to questions about the content of these brief reviews.

 

5. Success. Successful applicants will be encouraged to submit full proposals in which detailed arguments can be presented.

 

6. Failure. Unsuccessful applicants are discouraged from submitting full proposals. In future rounds, however, they may submit new pre-proposals without prejudice. Those who consider the negative response unjust are nevertheless free to submit full proposals, although they should consider whether the exercise is worth the effort. A brief response to the pre-proposal critique, one page or less, may accompany the full proposal submission.