What are you looking for in a three-page preproposal?
First, and foremost, we want to be convinced that the preproposal contains a scientifically interesting idea, and that Cornell has the expertise to make significant progress on this idea. This requires identifying a compelling theme, a list of potential participants from Cornell (~12 people) and other institutions (~5 people), a way of advancing knowledge about this theme, and a final product (e.g., grant proposal, major conference, book, special edition of a journal). Second, we want to be convinced that the theme will be of interest to members of the Cornell community–faculty, students, and staff. The preproposal should briefly discuss a range of activities that will engage the community. Third, we want to be convinced that the preproposal writer will be an appropriate leader. This requires that the individual have the intellectual, interpersonal, and organizational skills required to lead scholars from disparate backgrounds in a collaborative research project.
