Funding Your Research: A Practical Guide for Scholars

Funding Your Research: A Practical Guide for Scholars is a friendly practical handbook created to support students researchers and academics who often struggle with one of the biggest challenges in academis—finding the right funding. Instead of overwhelming readers with jargon the book breaks down each step of the process in simple clear language. From discovering suitable funding opportunities to writing convincing proposals preparing budgets and understanding what reviewers look for every chapter offers real-life insights and actionable advice. The aim is to remove the fear and confusion around grant writing and replace it with confidence and clarity. Whether you are applying for a small fellowship a national scheme or a major international grant this guide will help you turn your research ideas into well-funded and meaningful projects. Dr. Siamkhanthang Neihsial is a researcher and teacher who has devoted his career to helping students believe in the power of their ideas. Growing up with limited resources and overcoming many challenges he worked his way through higher education earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from North Eastern Hill University Shillong under Prof. Richard H. D. Lyngdoh and later completing postdoctoral research at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Bangalore with Prof. Swapan K. Pati. His own journey has shaped his empathy for students who struggle to find proper guidance or support. Dr. Neihsial’s research centers on theoretical and computational studies of nanomaterials including DNA analogs fuel cells lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen storage materials. His work has been recognized through several prestigious awards: the I2CAM International Junior Scientist Travel Award (NSF 2012) the DST-SERC FAST Track Young Scientist Fellowship (2014–2017) the Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (SERB 2023–2027) and the INSA Visiting Scientist Fellowship at IIT Delhi (2023–2024). He is currently an Assistant Professor at Dhanamanjuri University Imphal.