Evaluating external research grant proposals in tourism and hospitality : insights from senior researchers

Abstract

An academic’s ability to secure external research grants is an important indicator of research performance. However, the method by which to write a successful grant is neither uniform nor standardised, and insights for tourism researchers to write a successful grant application is lacking. The objective of this study is to examine how experienced scholars review research grant applications in order to facilitate a better understanding of grant writing for tourism academics. Four critical factors were identified via in-depth interviews with senior tourism and hospitality researchers who have extensive grant review experience. These factors include: the impact of the research, execution of the study, track record of the research team, and budget of the project. Overall, this study contributes by helping new and emerging scholars gain confidence in preparing better applications, and by allowing mid-career and senior researchers to (re)assess their own grant writing styles.