Held 28 Oct-1 Nov, the MODRA Workshop 2 provided early- to mid-career researchers with essential skills to navigate the complexities of securing and managing research funding. 15 postdoctoral scientists from MODRA’s inaugural cohort were intensively trained to pitch their research ideas for up to $30,000 in funding through the MODRA Seeds programme.
Participants enhanced their presentation skills through training in storytelling, structure and improved delivery. Structured practice sessions and feedback from experienced scientists helped these emerging researchers refine their pitches before presenting them to the MODRA Academy Executive Committee (AEC) for the chance to secure funding.
A key focus of the workshop was helping new researchers transition from securing funding to effectively managing research projects. The training provided highly practical knowledge in project management, including project planning, stakeholder communication, and risk management —skills that are often not covered in traditional science degrees.
The workshop also addressed important aspects of post-award management, such as procurement, finance, and travel. This comprehensive training gave participants the tools they need to move seamlessly from securing grants to executing high-impact research projects.
Dr Leigh Jones, Director of MODRA: “Workshop 2 has been all about putting plans into action. The cohort was supported to pitch their seed proposal ideas to an expert panel, and plan for the hard part – delivering their seed award projects.
Part of what makes MODRA so unique is our training in all aspects of grant awarding including project and financial management. The cohort greatly appreciated the expertise of the wonderful research support teams of MORU and OUCRU, as they walked them through all aspects of grant management. Scientists are rarely trained in such a comprehensive manner, and we aim to empower our participants to lead their projects in a confident and assured way.
We are also excited to see the cohort develop as friends and collaborators – the MODRA network is already beginning to grow!”
Dr Nguyen Quanh Vinh, MODRA Leader – Vietnam, shared: “As a postdoctoral researcher, I’ve firsthand experienced the challenges of transitioning to independent research. It requires a gradual accumulation of specialized knowledge and a range of essential skills, including project planning, presentation, budgeting, and time management.
MODRA Workshop 2 was designed to address these needs, equipping participants with essential skills and empowering them to analyse and manage their research proposals.”
The workshop marked the conclusion of activities for MODRA’s inaugural cohort this year. Researchers with promising project ideas were awarded funding to take their projects forward. These research results will be presented Nov 2025 at the MODRA Workshop 3 in Indonesia, where the cohort will return to share their progress.
Stay tuned to see how MODRA is shaping the next generation of impactful research leaders.
ABOUT MODRA
The MORU–OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) initiative is dedicated to empowering early-career researchers through comprehensive training in research management, grant writing, and professional development. By fostering collaboration and innovation, MODRA aims to cultivate a community of scientists ready to tackle global challenges and drive impactful research.
The inaugural cohort of MODRA was selected in July 2024 through a highly competitive process. The 15 top postdoctoral researchers are undergoing 18 months of intensive training to fast-track their scientific careers and enhance their ability to compete for international funding.
Recruitment for the next cohort will open in March 2025.