text: Much of this depends on who the proposal is going to, as each organization has its own requirements for research proposals. Read instructions thoroughly and carefully before doing anything.\n\nTHEN\n\n1) Pick an area of research that is relevant and interesting. Relate your research to a disease or some other problem. No one cares about the receptor for some protein if they can't understand what it does or why it's important.\n\n2) Read reviews and cite others' work. The reviewers who read your proposal are likely those who have already contributed to your field, so be sure to give credit where credit is due. Always be respectful and objective, even when you disagree with published results.\n\n3) Organize simply. Break down your proposal into at most 3-4 sections with short and simple titles. Have headings for each subsection which make it easy to follow the logic and design of your proposal. Restate things in each section, just in case they didn't catch it the first time.\n\n4) Get the right people backing you and get it in on time. As glorious as it may sound, independent research is slow and mostly frustrating. You should propose your research with the support and backing of other established scientists. You'll need their experience and resources to finish any really significant research.