Embedding good experimental design into your funding applications

Funders as part of their expectations from applicants proposing work involving the use of animals are increasingly focusing on good experimental design and the justification of animal numbers as a part of grant applications. These details are also required as a part of ethical review and journal articles. Good experimental design is also crucial for robust, reliable and reproducible research. However, it can be a challenge to communicate good experimental design to others concisely. 

This workshop will cover the key information required to demonstrate good experimental design, including estimating and justifying appropriate animal numbers, and in particular how this can be achieved concisely. 

• Audience: Established and early career researchers.
• Format: Interactive workshop, in-person.
• Length: Two hours.

• Understand the expectations of major UK funders regarding experimental design and the 3Rs.
• Understand how these relate to the principles of good experimental design, including randomisation, masking and sample size justification.
• Work through examples of communicating these details clearly and concisely.
• Be aware of the further resources available to support good experimental design.

The primary audience for this workshop is established and early career researchers. This material will also be of interest to those supporting funding applications within an institution such as research development, management and funding officers. 

The exercises are structured around example sections of applications made to major UK funders so will be less relevant to those applying for grants outside of the UK but the principles are relevant to work being conducted anywhere. 

This course has no prerequisites but an understanding of the fundamentals of good experimental design would be beneficial. 

This material is typically delivered as a two-hour workshop with a preference for in-person delivery. However, this can be adapted for online delivery. 

Shorter sessions are possible but would require cutting some material and would need to be discussed to ensure we meet your training needs. 

• For in-person delivery, a seminar room or similar space that facilitates small group work with appropriate audio-visual set-up. 
• For online delivery, a list of attendees with institutional email addresses. 
• A minimum of 15 attendees. 
• To discuss these requirements or to find out more, please contact us. 

• A number of staff with experimental design expertise to deliver the talk and facilitate small group work during the interactive exercises. 
• Digital copies of the material for these exercises shared with the organiser ahead of the workshop for dissemination. Hard copies will be provided on the day if necessary. 
• A pdf copy of the slides after the workshop for dissemination to attendees. 
• The member(s) of staff that delivered the workshop will also be contactable via email for further follow-up.