Workshops & Events

Upcoming Events

*Virtual events will be labeled*

PI Academy

This series of workshops is designed to empower faculty with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in grant writing. Sessions cover a comprehensive range of topics, from the introductory how to submit proposals at UCSB, to a discussion of effective strategies and resources to craft your data management and sharing plan, to an overview of funding opportunities and initiatives for Minority Serving Institutions, to practical guidance for early career research programs (NSF, NIH, NASA, DOE, DOD). Participants will also gain insights into key elements of competitive grant applications. Additionally, the workshops provide a collaborative environment for faculty to exchange ideas, receive personalized feedback, and stay informed about evolving trends in research funding.

NSF CAREER Proposal Workshop Series

Each spring, SRI offers a workshop series to support early-career faculty preparing NSF CAREER proposals. The series includes an introductory overview of the CAREER program, sessions on crafting strong education, outreach, and evaluation plans, and strategies for writing a compelling proposal narrative. Faculty can also hear directly from prior awardees in a panel discussion and attend an optional virtual session on creating effective conceptual figures. To complement the workshops, SRI maintains a mailing list that shares timely tips and guidance throughout the proposal development process. Together, these offerings provide practical tools, campus connections, and peer insights to help faculty submit competitive CAREER proposals.

NSF CAREER Resubmissions

Not funded yet? The CAREER Resubmission Support Program is specifically designed for faculty members who are revising and resubmitting their NSF CAREER proposals. This structured program provides tailored guidance to help you refine your previous submission, address reviewer feedback, and strengthen your proposal for success. Key features of the program include virtual group writing sessions, where participants can collaborate with SRI and peers to workshop ideas, exchange feedback, and stay motivated throughout the revision process. Additionally, the program offers comprehensive internal and external reviews of proposal drafts, giving you the opportunity to receive valuable insights from colleagues and experienced reviewers.

Proposal Writing for Success (PROWESS)

PROWESS is an intensive 6-week summer program that supports early-career STEM faculty in developing competitive grant proposals and navigating the research funding landscape. Participants learn effective proposal writing strategies, persuasive communication techniques, and how to engage with major funding agencies. The program also introduces UCSB-wide research resources and features faculty panels that offer first-hand insights on securing funding and building collaborations early in an academic career. Throughout the program, participants develop a proposal draft and receive constructive feedback from both peers and SRI staff.

FUNDamentals

FUNDamentals is a professional development program designed for Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (HASSE) faculty. Before sitting down to write a research funding proposal, successful grant-seeking requires understanding the culture of your target funding agency, communicating with program directors, and learning to articulate your research to audiences outside of your area of expertise. FUNDAmentals includes a series of workshops – including travel to travel to funding agencies (optional) – for faculty members who are ready to take the first strategic steps in pursuing extramural funding.

Proposal Writing Academy for the Humanities, Arts, Education, and Social Sciences 

This workshop series is for faculty and post-doctoral researchers who have identified a funding opportunity and are ready to systematically write a competitive proposal. The series is relevant for any Humanities, Arts, Social Science, or Education research funding opportunity.