Martijn Deenen

Professional grant writer - Allround research support specialist

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I help researchers, universities and consortia develop stronger and more competitive grant proposals, with a particular focus on ERC applications and large collaborative Horizon Europe projects. I have over 15 years of experience in grant writing, proposal development, research policy and research support. In different roles, I have worked on, coordinated and reviewed hundreds of proposals, from individual personal grants to complex multi-partner European applications. My work combines strategic grant writing with a strong understanding of how proposals are evaluated. I help applicants clarify their core idea, strengthen the narrative, improve structure and coherence, sharpen the impact logic, and align the proposal with funder and evaluator expectations. Before starting Thuishaven Advice, I worked in university research support and at the Dutch Research Council, where I contributed to developments in open science and responsible research assessment. This gives me a broad perspective on research funding from both the applicant and funder side. I provide expert-led proposal support, with careful and responsible use of AI where it adds value. AI may support parts of the review process, for example by helping to identify issues in clarity, consistency or structure, but the advice remains grounded in my own expertise and critical judgement. I support clients with: - ERC proposal development and review - Horizon Europe proposal development, coordination and review - Large interdisciplinary and multi-partner proposals - Strategic positioning of research ideas - Research policy and funding strategy advice My aim is to help excellent research ideas become clear, convincing and competitive proposals.