Preparing your Expression of Interest (EOI)
A strong Expression of Interest (EOI) helps reviewers understand the quality, fit and readiness of your proposed application.
Your EOI should be clear, concise and directly aligned with the funder's published assessment criteria. Unless stated otherwise in the internal call guidance, EOIs should normally be no more than two pages.
Before you submit
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Check that your EOI: ✅ Addresses the funder's assessment criteria directly. ✅ Explains the research idea, its importance, novelty and expected outcomes clearly. ✅ Demonstrates fit to the funding call and eligibility requirements. ✅ Explains why the applicant or research team is well placed to deliver the work. ✅ Identifies any major partners, collaborators, facilities or approvals required. ✅ Includes realistic plans for delivery, costing, match funding and institutional commitments. ✅ Uses plain language so reviewers from different disciplines can understand the case for support. |
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Good practice and common pitfalls
Use these tips to strengthen your EOI before submission.
| ✅ Good practice | ⚠️ Avoid |
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| Align your EOI with the funder's assessment criteria. | Writing a generic project summary that doesn't address the assessment criteria. |
| Clearly explain the strategic fit and strengths of your proposal. | Assuming reviewers will infer the importance of your research. |
| Discuss your plans with your Research Manager or School/Institute contact early. | Leaving eligibility, costing or match funding checks until after selection. |
| Keep your writing concise, clear and evidence-based. | Using unnecessary technical detail that obscures your key message. |