The completed proposal should be accompanied by a self-contained case for support. Applicants should refer to the guidelines for the scheme for which they are applying, taking particular note of the assessment criteria that will be used by the research grants panels in assessing their proposal.

The case for support should include the following: 

• the underlying rationale and scientific/technological issues being addressed and the potential scientific, practical and socio-economic benefits;
• specific objectives of the project, including their potential relevance to UK and international research work in the field, relevance to the STFC mission and anticipated achievement;
• programme and plan of research showing what alternatives have been considered and why the proposed method is preferred;
• proposed management of both the project and resources, identifying the training and career development opportunities for personnel working on the project (The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers);
• the relationship to any earlier or current work of the applicant(s) and/or collaborating organisation(s) and any relevant work elsewhere, together with a brief summary of progress to date on any related STFC research grant(s);
• the research experience of the applicant(s) and any collaborators;
• all costs associated with the research project must be justified, with the exception of estates costs, indirect costs, infrastructure technician costs and the unit cost of TRAC-determined elements such as investigator salary costs or research facility charge-out costs; although the amount of resource required does need to be justified. Applicants should explain why the indicated resources are needed, taking account of the nature and complexity of the research proposed. Note that it is not sufficient merely to list what is required. Applicants should have regard for the breakdown of costs into the summary fund headings Directly Incurred and Directly Allocated. 
• applicants for one or more project studentships should describe the type of PhD projects available for students, set out why the projects are suitable for training students in the methods of research associated with the programme and explain how the wider needs of the students will be met. 
• the likely exploitable results and any arrangements with third parties for exploitation;
• proposals for the wider dissemination of the results especially those relating to the wider public understanding of science.
• The case for support should also include the requirement for a Data Management Plan, the details of the requirements can be found at the following link :  http://stfc.ac.uk/Funding+and+Grants/40057.aspx