Presented by the AtKisson Training Group, in partnership with the Yale Office of Research Development
May 13, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (drinks reception to follow)
This targeted, invite-only workshop, led by the AtKisson Training Group, is designed for faculty preparing to lead proposals for major research center competitions (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOE). The session provides a comprehensive, hands-on approach to large-scale proposal development, with emphasis on readiness assessment, strategic positioning, white paper creation, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.
Participants will work with applied tools and frameworks used in competitive center efforts, including Lean Canvas–based positioning, requirements mapping, narrative integration across diverse contributors, and strategies for managing scope, timelines, and compliance.
The workshop will also feature Yale’s Office for Research Development (YRD), highlighting how faculty can effectively partner with YRD throughout the full proposal lifecycle. We will outline YRD’s center-scale support model, strategic planning, proposal architecture, team facilitation, project management, and funder alignment, in order to provide clarity on when and how to engage YRD for maximal impact.
Faculty will leave with a clear understanding of what distinguishes a competitive center proposal, the operational steps required to lead one successfully, and the institutional resources available to support their efforts.
Welcome & Session Overview
Introduction to center-scale grants and goals for the workshop.
Center Grants vs. Research Proposals
Key differences in expectations, structure, and required components.
Understanding Funders & Requirements
How to interpret solicitations, assess readiness, and determine alignment.
Early Planning & Team Formation
Scoping what a center proposal requires; assembling and preparing the team.
Team Science & Collaboration Practices
Leadership roles, working agreements, communication, and team dynamics.
Concept Development Tools
Using the Lean Canvas and white paper frameworks to shape the project.
Stakeholders, Positioning & Institutional Capacity
Identifying partners and articulating unique strengths.
Proposal Structure & Narrative Strategy
Turning solicitation language into an outline, building coherence, and aligning with review criteria.
Management & Administrative Planning
Developing strong management plans and integrating them into the proposal narrative.
Grantsmanship Best Practices & Common Pitfalls
Strategies for clarity, integration, and competitiveness. Specialized analysis into Yale’s previous large proposal submissions.
Closing Discussion & Q&A