State the research problem in the first sentences of your abstract. Then describe the research or travel you will undertake to address it. Place the problem in its intellectual context, citing key literature and giving evidence of its significance. If you are requesting funds for travel to a conference, describe the work to be presented and how the conference relates to your academic program. If you wish to attend a conference and not make a presentation, state the issues you hope to address through attendance and the relevance to your studies.
Successful proposals are well planned and work is well documented.
Be aware that several good proposal are received and that only a small portion of these can be funded. You can use feedback from an unsuccessful proposal to strengthen a second request. Further information about the grants are contained on the application forms. Get yours early so that you can prepare well. We encourage advanced students to apply for Sigma Xi grants in support of research.