What others say

  • How about Couch to £1.95M!? Thank you so much to both of you for your course and reading of the grant as well. It was an incredible course and it helped me so much when I was writing my FLF. And it all worked!

    Hannah Stewart

    Senior Lecturer, Lancaster University

  • This is the best training course I have ever done [Rekindling Your Research]. It required me to show up, think about how I work and put into practice ways of approaching my research better - and all in a non-judgemental way. Doing the course with university colleagues all facing the same challenges was so, so helpful - as were the different formats of teaching and learning. It gave me headspace to read around the subject (great reading list included with not a journal article in sight!), some thought-provoking homework and really helpful 1-to-1s. I am so glad I did this course and will be keeping in touch with Elaine and Dan to keep me in good habits! I would recommend this course to all established researchers who need to get unstuck.

    Nicola Dempsey

    Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield

  • The Couch to £500k programme changed the course of my research career. I was always putting off getting even a little bit of writing done, but they provided an open space where I could freely write and get in-depth feedback on a regular basis. Elaine and Dan are both knowledgeable, friendly, and facilitate group discussions in a seamless manner. Being given regular tasks to complete before the next session is a challenge, but it's that challenge and deadline that drove me to get more writing done towards my New Investigator Award than I had ever done. Thank you so much for the journey. I can't recommend the course enough to other researchers starting towards their independence or even more experienced grant writers wishing to have a refresh.

    Adrian Davison

    Lecturer, MMU

  • If you are planning on writing a grant for UKRI then I would strongly recommend this course [Couch to £500k]. It is a long term commitment but as a result the course gives you the opportunity to maintain grant writing momentum even during busy periods. Dan and Elaine bring to the course their distinct experiences (successful PI and EPSRC portfolio manager) and together they provide extensive feedback on the homework assignments from these two distinct perspectives. The course breaks down the daunting task of writing a full EPSRC proposal into manageable chunks and by the end of the course I had something written for each section and an idea of what I needed to do next.

    Vanessa Hearnden

    Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield

  • “The 'Couch to 500k' programme was absolutely fantastic, giving a good insight into the grant writing/submission process. Plenty of practical elements mean that by the end of the programme you've got a good way along preparing a first draft of a full grant submission. Dan and Elaine provide extremely detailed feedback on every bit of homework you submit and so you see where you can improve your writing. Can't recommend highly enough!”

    Mark Chadwick

    Research Fellow, Imperial College London

  • “Dan's course has been so useful for addressing two of my biggest barriers to writing: confidence & structure. Dan's course is a supportive and encouraging environment, one that encourages you to try your hardest while also experimenting with new techniques & approaches to writing. On a practical level, I found the new frameworks & techniques that Dan introduced really helpful for structuring and adapting my writing. Having these helps me put latent worries to the back of my head, and focus on communicating what I want to say. The exercises Dan provides are a great space to practice this & the feedback is both encouraging and challenging.”

    Toby Murray (part 1)

    Senior Policy Researcher, The RSA

  • “The Couch to £500k programme was extremely useful. Elaine and Dan are extremely knowledgeable and excellent resources. I am currently using many of their reminders, tips, and exercises for helping keep proposal writing on track. I would highly recommend this programme for any new academic and also for those looking for a jump start to getting back into proposal writing.”

    Lauren Cator

    Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London

  • “Dan and Elaine helped us crystalize a clear brief and a realistic plan, working within our operational constraints. They engaged with our broad set of activities and team members in a patient and systematic way. The results gave a clear, accessible and consistent voice to a rich mix of technical outputs. I am delighted with the work they have done for T-B PHASE and will gladly work with them on other projects in the future.”

    Arthur Richards

    Professor of Robotics and Control and T-B PHASE Director

    University of Bristol

    (TB-PHASE was an EPSRC Prosperity Partnership. See our writing here.)

  • “Elaine and Dan have designed a very helpful course on how to start preparing a research proposal and how to generate ideas for proposals. The course has the right balance between taught content and more active and interactive learning. They are warm, encouraging and positive and are able to create a supportive environment for the participants. With their experience and expertise, they are the perfect people to offer such a course.”

    Simone Graetzer,

    Senior Research Fellow, University of Salford

  • "Research in the charity sector is fast paced and often we lack the time to spend on professional and team development. Dan's four week, one hour research writing sessions, for the Research and Data Insights Team at Good Things Foundation, gave us valuable space and resources to do this. In less than a month our seven very different team members - in terms of levels of experience, skill sets and interests - all benefited. We improved our writing and critical reflection skills, we developed close ways of working, and we built in confidence about sharing our written outputs with others. On behalf of Good Things Foundation, I would highly recommend Dan's training approach to other charities and third sector organisations looking to amplify their written impact."

    Al Mathers

    Head of Research, Good Things Foundation

  • “Dan's course allowed me the valuable time and space to think critically about my writing practice and style and the ways they have been shaped by my work and study experience. Focusing on practice and reflection rather than rote learning writing methods, the training has given me greater confidence when writing and the self-assurance to write in my own style. On top of this, Dan is a great teacher, who was inclusive of all staff's needs and time constraints and quickly and easily built a great rapport with all those at the training.”

    James Morrison

    Researcher, The RSA

  • “Having won a few small grants, I wondered whether this course would be useful to me. The answer is a definite yes! I have found useful information, tips, and advice at every session. I would definitely recommend this course.”

    Graziella Iossa

    Senior Lecturer in Zoology, University of Lincoln

  • “It has been one of the best and most personally impactful courses I have ever attended.”

    Anonymous feedback

    Proposal Launchpad

  • “Working with Dan and Elaine has been an absolute pleasure. They have been flexible in their approach to accommodate the requirements and goals of the project, provided quick and full responses to queries, from both myself and the management/early career management team and ensured a professional approach with all correspondence to our network. The initial arrangements have been delivered effectively and efficiently.”

    Zoë Hunter

    Network Manager, UKAN+ (EPSRC Network)

  • "I think the biggest benefit has been the confidence I gained from practicing and learning alongside my colleagues - Dan facilitated conversations that I think don't often have the space to happen in the office. Knowing that I shared struggles with colleagues has helped me to break through some of my nervousness around putting my writing into the world. Also, it goes without saying that Dan is such a lovely and encouraging presence, and learning from him has been a pleasure. Thanks Dan for everything!"

    Toby Murray (part 2)

    Senior Policy Researcher, The RSA

  • “Dan is an excellent teacher, and it was a privilege to join his course. His teaching style is conducive to a welcoming and highly engaging learning environment where students are able to learn from him as well as each other. I've become more confident about writing and am excited to apply his teachings further!”

    Liv Chai

    Delivery Manager, The RSA

  • “During a busy academic year, Couch to £500K really helped me to ringfence time to develop a full proposal while also receiving stepwise, timely and useful feedback. The course was really engaging and motivating. Elaine and Dan are extremely competent, providing a 360° overview of grant writing and funding process from their respective experience. Starting from an average level of confidence when approaching grant writing, this course enabled me to step-up and write a full proposal, enthusiastically, efficiently and very confidently. And I have loads of notes from the sessions that will be useful for many future proposals!”

    Enrico Ferrari

    Senior Lecturer, University of Lincoln

  • “I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. Although it focuses on ideas generation, the approaches taught and the tools provided by this course have benefited all aspects of my research. Elaine and Dan have been incredibly engaging and supportive throughout.”

    Katherine Boughey

    Head of Monitoring and Science

    Bat Conservation Trust

  • “I have always wanted to be a good writer. I used to be a decent one when writing in my mother language. However, through my PhD writing I stop believing in my skills, knowledge and in myself. Skills for Life: Academic Writing from the Ground Up has helped me to think about the writing process and myself differently. The guidance and support I received from Elaine and Dan, who approached our specific challenges with the utmost professionalism and kindness, have had a huge positive impact. As a result, I have not only gained a newfound sense of self-assurance but also developed a more realistic perspective on what I can accomplish within the given time constraints. Thank you!”

    Alejandra Munoz,

    PhD student, University of Bristol

  • Elaine and Dan have created a really great programme [Couch to £500k] - the course has helped me improve my writing techniques, but also more broadly helped to demystify the grant writing and submission process. The detailed feedback on homework pushed me to develop my ideas further, and put into practice the writing tips and tricks that we discussed as a group in the live sessions. I feel much more prepared for writing the strongest proposal possible, and I loved that the pace of the sessions meant I could carve out focus time for writing and actually stick to it. I have come away feeling much more confident in my writing and my ability to convey my ideas and my proposal's need and vision. Thank you Elaine and Dan!

    Jennifer Johnstone-Hack

    RAEng Research Fellow, University of Sheffield

  • Taking part in the Rekindling Your Research programme has helped me figure out what I really want to focus on, along with a plan for getting there; this in turn has helped me feel much more positive about research in general!

    Candice Majewski

    Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield

  • “Dan has been a fantastic caring teacher! The sessions have been very engaging and fun - I will definitely refer back to all our discussions, reflections and the resources when writing!”

    Veronica Mrvcic

    Evaluation Officer, The RSA

  • “This course has been invaluable in demonstrating HOW to target areas for improvement rather than just the normal ‘practice writing and you’ll improve’ advice which is never really that helpful because it doesn’t teach you how to identify what you need to improve or change. This course has been amazing and invaluable for my writing, not just during my PhD but has helped me to start developing skills for life. Thank you both, it has been a truly enjoyable experience.”

    Jessica Caughtrey

    PhD Student, University of Southampton

  • Making the time to reflect on research it is that I really want to achieve during my career was very helpful in motivating me to prioritise my time accordingly. I found it reassuring to talk with colleagues who I consider to be very successful and hear about the challenges they face in sustaining their own research amongst all the other pressures of University life.

    Jona Foster

    Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield

  • After a couple of years focusing on other areas, I was struggling to get back into grant writing. Couch to £500k has been transformative for my confidence and approach. It has shown me, through the gentle accountability of the course, I need less time than I thought to write. The length of the course was such that it helped me to develop habits which will have a lasting positive impact on my writing.

    Graziella Iossa

    Senior Lecturer, University of Lincoln

  • Dan and Elaine are wonderfully generous with their time and feedback. They will answer questions by emails between sessions, give truly high-quality stellar feedback on homework and it is always simply a pleasure to communicate with them! The homework assignments and feedback from the course gave me the confidence to submit my first grant during the course.

    Smitha Gopinath

    Lecturer, University of Sheffield

  • “The course helped me a lot to gain a clearer view of how to develop a high-quality proposal from an idea to a fully written proposal. What is the meaning of competitive proposal and develop myself through several self-reflection opportunities throughout the course. Feedback provided on the pieces of coursework was also a valuable part to go through an iterative process of gradual improvement in writing a clear and understandable proposal.”

    Allahyar Montazeri

    Lecturer, Lancaster University

  • When I started as a new assistant professor, I found it difficult to prioritise the flood of new responsibilities that were handed to me. Suddenly all the technical skills I had built up weren't sufficient; I needed to know what kind of leader, mentor and colleague I wanted to be. The tools and ideas discussed with Dan Allwood from Peak Writing were invaluable.

    Assistant Professor

    US state university

  • “I found the sessions really interesting, and the way the course was structured meant that I was able to build up a full proposal draft over time without getting overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. Elaine and Dan's feedback was useful and specific. I learned a lot of things ranging from seemingly small adjustments I could make, to large-scale differences in mindset and how to think about the proposal and the whole writing process. For anyone with an idea in mind that needs help crafting it into a proposal, I highly recommend the Couch to £500K programme.”

    Amelia Gully

    Lecturer, University of York

  • “The presenters complement each other well in the process of proposal writing and provided clear and useful materials and experiences. I did particularly enjoy listening to Dan's real experiences and suggestions in proposal preparation. The tasks after each session were useful to finally get a project proposal written, which wouldn't have happened without this course. Overall, I would recommend it to other institutions and researchers.”

    Heriberto Cuayahuitl

    Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, University of Lincoln

  • I cannot recommend this course [Couch to £500k] highly enough! Dan and Elaine are incredibly knowledgeable about the process and inner workings of research proposals. It was very helpful to see how the 'other side' works. The layout of the course follows the requirements of a research proposal, and the feedback on each stage of the draft proposal was very useful.

    Charles Swindells

    Research Associate, University of Sheffield

  • After a couple of years focusing on other areas, I was struggling to get back into grant writing. Couch to £500k has been transformative for my confidence and approach. It has shown me, through the gentle accountability of the course, I need less time than I thought to write. The length of the course was such that it helped me to develop habits which will have a lasting positive impact on my writing.

    Becky Boston

    Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield