Document Type
Other
Date of Seminar
4-14-2026
Copyright
Materials provided for non-profit, educational use; further reproduction and distribution in any way inconsistent with copyright law (17 U.S. Code) and its “fair use” provisions may result in liability for copyright infringement.
Access Restrictions
Access limited to Washington University campus
Recommended Citation
Olson, Randy; David, Matthew; and Padilla, Dianna, "Applying the ABT Narrative Framework to NIH Proposal Writing" (2026). Clinical Research Training Center Seminars and Workshops. Paper 1.
Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/crtc_seminars/1
COinS
Notes
Writing a compelling NIH proposal requires more than strong science, it demands a clear, persuasive narrative. In this hands-on workshop, Randy Olson, PhD covers the core principles of the ABT (And, But, Therefore) Framework, including narrative structure, strategic framing, and the IF/THEN tool for proposal development. Dianna Padilla, PhD then applies these principles directly to NIH proposal writing, drawing on examples from successful proposals, insights from the business world, and the six most common proposal mistakes that the ABT Framework directly addresses.
Designed for researchers actively developing NIH applications, this session offers immediately applicable strategies for strengthening specific aims, significance, and innovation sections.
Hosted by Jay Piccirillo, MD, FACS, The TL1 Program & The R25 Program in partnership with the Center for Health & Science Communication at Becker Library
Keywords: NIH proposal writing, ABT framework, And But Therefore, IF/THEN tool, grant writing, narrative framing, science communication, Randy Olson, Dianna Padilla, specific aims, NIH application, research proposal, translational research
Subject/Topic Tags: Grant Writing | NIH Proposals | Science Communication | Workshops | Researcher Training | Career Development