Why are you the right PI?

Imposter syndrome is real for many folks in academia; this feeling like you're not qualified to do something can really do a number on your self-confidence, and this is particularly true for PIs from minoritized communities. However, there is a flipside to this. There are also PIs who assume they are the right person to do research that might be a little outside of their expertise. This is okay, but when you get to the edge of your area of expertise, it's a great opportunity to build a partnership.

Regardless of if you experience either of these afflictions (self-doubt or over confidence), you will still need to justify in your grant proposals why you and your team are the best folks to do the research project you're proposing. Whether you're talking about yourself/your team in biosketches and/or somewhere else in the proposal, consider the following:

Form the right team: 

Make sure that you not only have people who specialize in the key components of the project, but also make sure that everyone on your team has a clear purpose. Sometimes people join a team and the project focus shifts such that they become redundant. Have honest conversations with your team about their areas of expertise and how everyone will contribute.

Talk about your experience:

Not only are reviewers assessing if your project is innovative, they are also assessing that you are the best person or if your team is the best team to do the project. So, don't forget to make your case for why it's you!

Work yourself into previous research:

One of the best ways to demonstrate your experience and fit for your project is talking about the research you've done in the field already. Be sure that as you're describing the cutting edge of research that you're citing your previous work and making it clear that you're already doing this work. This sets you up to be the obvious choice to being doing this work.

Discuss gaps/answer questions:

Life happens, particularly these days with COVID. If you have a gap in your productivity due to health, parental leave, or caretaker responsibilities, simply say it. You don't need to go into detail or try to justify it; simply let reviewers know why there's a gap, and then they won't doubt your productivity otherwise.

Resources:

Secrets to writing a winning grant - Nature

How to win a research grant - Times Higher Education