Session on Proposal Writing – Best Practices Shared by WAITRO Members

Date: Tuesday, 11 November 2025
Time: Bogotá (UTC-5) 08:00–10:00 AM | Berlin (UTC+1) 2:00–4:00 PM | Nairobi (UTC+3): 4:00-6:00 PM | Beijing (UTC+8) 9:00–10:00 PM
Target Audience: Researchers and Research Managers

This session provides practical insights into writing competitive and successful proposals. Participants will receive key criteria and best practices for Horizon Europe calls, explore effective coordination and communication strategies, and reflect on lessons learned from previous proposal collaborations. By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Apply guidelines and best practices on proposal writing
• Coordinate proposals efficiently and communicate effectively
• Integrate lessons learned to improve future submissions

1. Welcome by WAITRO

A brief introduction highlighting why an interactive exchange of experiences on proposal writing is key to successful research and innovation projects.

2.WAITRO Member Sharing Insights & Best Practices

Insight 1) Prof. Dr. Esra Çapanoğlu (Istanbul Technical University)

Professor Esra Çapanoğlu will provide an overview on different proposal types and share key insights on what to consider when developing strong project proposals for EU-funding programmes. The presentation will focus on:

• Understanding different proposal types  – know how and where to look
• General aspects and key criteria of proposal writing  – consortium coordination and what to consider

Insight 2) Prof. Dr. Senem Kurşun (Istanbul Technical University)

Complementing the previous presentation, Professor Senem Kurşun will present a case example of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program, highlighting eligibility criteria and essential requirements for proposals. Her presentation will focus on:

• Understanding program needs and objectives within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
• Key eligibility criteria and conditions for participation

Insight 3) Moses Mengu (Danish Technological Institute)

Senior Project Leader Moses Mengu will share insights from DTI, explaining how his institution’s internal strategies for engaging with European funding programmes can be applied to other institutions. His remarks will focus on:

• A leading example from DTI illustrating an effective institutional approach
• DTI’s internal guidelines and best practices for successful proposal coordination and participation
• Practical insights and recommendations for other institutions

3. Closing by WAITRO Operations e.V.

A brief summary of the session followed by concluding reflections and outlook to upcoming sessions.

Prof. Dr. Esra Çapanoglu (ITU): Professor at Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) and experienced project coordinator in numerous international and European-funded projects, including EU framework programes such as 6th and 7th Framework Programs, Horizon 2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, PRIMA, and COST initiatives. As an Associate Member for the Turkish Academy of Science and awarded the Georg Forster Prize by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, she brings extensive expertise in research collaboration, project management, and proposal writing. 

Prof. Dr. Senem Kurşun (ITU): Awarded with two international and one national award for textile innovation. She obtained Turkey’s first EU project as a coordinator under Horizon 2020 and later led a second EU-funded project. With over 20 years of academic and research experience at Istanbul Technical University, she has led and contributed to numerous European, international and national research projects in the fields of e-textiles, wearable technologies, intelligent sensors and control systems. With extensive experience in proposal development and project coordination within global consortia, she offers valuable perspectives on successful proposal writing and effective collaboration strategies in international research environments.

Moses Mengu (DTI): In his role as Senior Project Leader, Moses Mengu brings extensive experience in international research collaboration and project development. At the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), where he has worked for over 35 years in roles such as Chief Consultant, Director of the International Centre, and Senior Project Leader, he has coordinated EU research programmes and managed international R&D projects and partnerships. Before, he served as Managing Director of the Botswana Technology Centre and has previously held senior positions at WAITRO, including Deputy Secretary General and first honorary member.