Problem-Agitation-Solution Strategy for Your Postdoc Applications

In this post, I would like to share how I used a copywriting framework to write a research proposal.

I know that copywriting may sound like an unlikely source of inspiration, especially for something like a research proposal, especially a research proposal with which you are planning to save the planet.

However, think about it this way: with your postdoctoral research, you're applying for funding.

And like it or not but you'll need to convince the selection committee of the importance of your project. In other words, you'll need to 'sell' it.

It therefore makes sense to see what copywriters do, because copywriters are in the business of convincing people.

Copywriters rely on formulas. The formula I often use to structure my research proposals is called PAS.

PAS  stands for:

Problem

Agitation

Solution

To execute it, you need to:

1/ first, identify a problem.

Your research project needs to have a problem at its core that you're trying to solve.

It's not the same as a literature gap - that one comes after.

You need areal-life problem that causes negative consequences in the real world for real people.

2/ second, agitate.

Now you need to tell what happens if the problem doesn't get solved.

It's not enough to just identify the problem. It needs to feel painful and urgent.

Show why it can't go on like this anymore.

3/ third, propose a solution.

Here, you emerge as a heroine/ hero with a solution.

Voilà!

Here is a link to a part of a research proposal I wrote to show you how I implemented it.