How do you respond to feedback from research funders? (2024)

Feedback from research funders is not meant to discourage or undermine you, but to help you improve your research quality, relevance, and impact. Funders may have different perspectives, priorities, and criteria for evaluating your research, and they may want to see how you address their comments and concerns. Therefore, you should understand the purpose of the feedback, whether it is to inform, advise, or instruct you, and respond accordingly.

Before you reply to the feedback, you should read it carefully and analyze it critically. Identify the main points, themes, and issues that the funders raise, and note any positive or negative aspects. Try to understand the rationale and evidence behind the feedback, and how it relates to your research objectives, methods, and outcomes. You may also compare the feedback from different funders, and look for any commonalities or discrepancies.

When you respond to the feedback, you should start by acknowledging and appreciating the funders for their time, interest, and support. Express your gratitude and respect for their expertise and insights, and emphasize your commitment and enthusiasm for your research project. You can also highlight any aspects of the feedback that you found particularly helpful, useful, or encouraging.

Next, you should address the feedback in a clear, concise, and respectful way. You can use a structured format, such as bullet points or numbered lists, to organize your response. For each point or issue that the funders raise, you should explain how you agree, disagree, or partially agree with it, and provide your reasons and evidence. You should also indicate how you plan to incorporate, modify, or reject the feedback in your research project, and what actions or changes you will make.

Finally, you should ask for clarification or feedback from the funders, if needed. You may have some questions or doubts about the feedback, or you may want to confirm or verify some information or details. You may also want to solicit more feedback or suggestions from the funders, especially if you have made significant changes or revisions to your research project. You should ask politely and constructively, and avoid being defensive or confrontational.

After you respond to the feedback, you should follow up and update the funders on your research progress and outcomes. You should keep them informed of any major developments, achievements, or challenges that you encounter in your research project, and how you have addressed them. You should also report on how you have implemented or adapted the feedback in your research project, and what results or impacts you have achieved. You should maintain a regular and respectful communication with the funders, and acknowledge their contribution and influence on your research project.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Historical Research

+ Follow

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.