As part of its 2021–2027 Research Strategy, Universidad Panamericana the institution continues to strengthen its grant-writing capabilities, reinforcing the pursuit of external research funding as a strategic pillar for advancing research excellence.
Through its Office of the General Vice Presidency for Research (VGI), the University remains committed to enhancing the competitiveness of its faculty by offering specialized programs that improve the quality and success of research funding proposals.
Why Grant Writing Matters
The University’s Grant Writing Program is designed to strengthen researchers’ ability to develop competitive proposals aligned with regional, national, and international funding opportunities.
The program was carried out in two complementary phases.
The first phase, held virtually on February 20, introduced participants to the fundamentals of successful proposal development, including identifying funding opportunities, structuring competitive research proposals, and understanding the key evaluation criteria used by funding agencies.
The second phase, held in person throughout March at all three campuses of Universidad Panamericana, consisted of an intensive, hands-on workshop focused on developing, reviewing, and strengthening the participants’ own research proposals.
Both sessions were led by Dr. Jennifer E. Lansford, Distinguished Professor at Duke University and Director of the Center for Child & Family Policy, who has extensive international experience in securing and evaluating competitive research funding.
Applied Learning Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The in-person workshop emphasized a highly practical and collaborative approach, enabling researchers to work directly on their own proposals while identifying funding opportunities aligned with their research agendas.
During the first stage of the workshop, participants were divided into groups by disciplinary area to receive specialized feedback from peers and facilitators. They later formed interdisciplinary teams to further enhance the clarity, relevance, and overall communication of their proposals.
This collaborative format reinforced one of the workshop’s key messages: successful grant applications require researchers to communicate their work clearly, strategically, and effectively to diverse review panels while demonstrating both the feasibility and the potential impact of their proposed projects.
Building Institutional Capacity for Competitive Funding
Strengthening grant-writing skills is part of a broader institutional strategy aimed at increasing researchers’ participation in highly competitive funding opportunities.
Through initiatives such as specialized workshops, individualized advising, and support for proposal development, the General Vice Presidency for Research (VGI) has contributed to sustained growth in both the number of grant applications submitted and the number of externally funded research projects awarded.
In recent years, Universidad Panamericana it has significantly expanded its participation in externally funded research at both the national and international levels, advancing its strategic priorities of strengthening research, expanding collaborative networks, and generating meaningful academic and societal impact.
The Grant Writing Program also complements the VGI’s ongoing support services, which include identifying funding opportunities, connecting researchers with strategic partners, and providing guidance throughout the proposal development process. This comprehensive approach enables faculty to focus on designing rigorous, relevant, and high-impact research projects.
Expanding International Collaboration
In addition to strengthening internal capabilities, the program also creates new opportunities for international collaboration.
Among its most significant achievements is the growing partnership with Duke University and the Center for Child & Family Policy, which is creating opportunities for future joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and participation in international funding programs such as the Fulbright-García Robles Program.
With the successful completion of this initiative, Universidad Panamericana the university reaffirms its commitment to purpose-driven research by equipping its faculty with the strategic tools needed to successfully compete for external funding and conduct research that has a meaningful impact on a global scale.
To learn more about research at Universidad Panamericana, visit: https://www.up.edu.mx/investigacion/
