ISF Season Is Upon Us: Strategic Tips for a Stronger Application

Every spring, researchers across Israel start gearing up for the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) grant call—a highly competitive opportunity to secure support for basic science.

Unlike many grants that emphasize translational impact or commercial potential, the ISF is laser-focused on scientific excellence and originality. If you’re used to writing Horizon Europe or binational grants, this shift in emphasis can be disorienting. Here’s what matters—and what doesn’t—when it comes to standing out.

1. Remember your audience

The ISF prides itself on rigorous peer review, but that doesn’t guarantee that your reviewers will come from your exact niche. Never assume deep familiarity with your subfield. Clarity and structure are just as critical as innovation.

Use formatting that supports readability:

• Split long paragraphs

• Use bullets and lists

• Keep sentences under 3 lines

• Add high-quality figures and legends within the text

Don’t make reviewers hunt for information. Make your proposal easy to skim and even easier to understand.

2. Scientific background ≠ literature review

The background section should function like a compact thesis introduction—not a manuscript intro or a dense literature dump. Set the stage broadly, then narrow in on your specific research question toward the end. Spell out acronyms. Break into subsections. And keep it focused (3–4 pages max).

3. Think strategically about your research plan

The best work plans are realistic, modular, and easy to follow. Use clear work packages with distinct aims, tasks, and deliverables. Be specific enough to show feasibility, but not so rigid that you lose flexibility.

Avoid “kitchen sink syndrome.” Trying to do everything can make your plan look unfocused or unachievable. Instead:

• Align work packages to your research objectives

• Include timelines and milestones

• Use flow charts or infographics where appropriate

  
  

4. Preliminary results are your credibility

This section can be the most persuasive part of your application—if used strategically. Focus only on what’s directly relevant to your hypothesis and methods. Present results like a well-structured paper:

• Subsections

• In-text figures with concise legends

• Clear captions and labeling

Low-resolution images and vague legends are an easy way to lose credibility. Make it seamless for reviewers to connect your past work to your future goals.

5. Basic science means… basic

This is not the time to push for “real-world impact” or clinical relevance. The ISF is about advancing fundamental understanding. Your proposal should showcase scientific merit, methodological rigor, and novelty—not applicability.

That said, you should articulate why your research matters: What new insights will it unlock? What gaps in knowledge does it fill?

6. Plan for what might go wrong

Reviewers appreciate foresight. Use the “pitfalls” section to show that you’ve thought about risk and have alternative strategies in place. This reinforces that your plan is not only innovative, but also resilient.

In sum:An ISF proposal is not a sales pitch or a glossy brochure. It’s a structured, strategic argument for why your basic research deserves support. Treat it like a thesis, not a press release. Prioritize clarity. And remember—this is about science, not spin.

If you need help tightening your story, structuring your research plan, or polishing figures—let’s talk.