2026 Workshop: From Vision to Funded Research

This interactive panel session at the CEDAR Workshop 2026 meeting will explore best practices for assembling, refining, and submitting competitive research proposals across a broad range of science areas and topics (e.g., basic research, rocket investigations to satellite and CubeSat missions). Designed in a moderated Q&A and presentation based format with clearly defined objectives and targeted questions, the panelist and presenters will feature perspectives from across our field (e.g., from a faculty member, a government program officer, and a soft-money researcher, with the potential inclusion of an external grants professional). Panelists will discuss how to start with a compelling science question, build and broaden effective teams, and “re-tool” for different agencies/proposal calls recognizing their distinct priorities and review processes. Topics will include selecting the right funding opportunity, understanding typical timelines, clarifying roles (e.g., who leads, facilitates, and submits), recycling and strengthening declined proposals, and identifying the positive outcomes that can emerge even from unsuccessful submissions. The session aims to provide broadly applicable guidance for the CEDAR community across career stages navigating an evolving funding landscape.