1. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Chapter 22
Background and Significance

2. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Function of Background Section
Aims to awaken interest
Relays importance
Provides context

3. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Content and Organization
for Background and Significance
Often divided into subsections
Follow a funnel structure
Significance/Impact

4. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Background
• Know what to emphasize
• Explain what questions need to be answered
• Describe existing research and beliefs
• Gear it to your audience
• Review literature exhaustively
• Criticize the work of other investigators
• Cite a lot of statistics if the disease is well known

5. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
References in the Background Section
Be as objective as possible
• Present the pros and cons but do not criticize
• For federal grants, always provide references
• For private funders, sources do not need references
• Especially when proposal length is restricted (2–4
pages)
• Use the space for figures and tables to support
proposal

6. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Global warming is arguably one of the most pressing
concerns of our time. It has been linked to the rapidity of
observed climate change—the fact that the Earth’s
temperature rose by approximately 0.7°C over the last
century (the most dramatic increase documented in
historic times) and the attendant threat posed by melting
polar icecaps, rising sea levels, and potentially, more
severe weather patterns. We do not know yet what
proportion of this global warming is due to human
activity and what is due to natural variations. More
important, we lack an effective model to predict precisely
by how much the temperature will rise as a consequence
of the increase of the levels of CO2 and other greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere of the Earth. In this proposal we
aim to model temperature changes in response to CO2
levels using. .
Open with
important key
term and short
sentence
Open with
important key
term and short
sentence
Unknown/
Need
Unknown/
Need
Sample Background Section
Specific AimSpecific Aim

7. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Significance and Impact
State the significance of your study clearly
• But do not overstate its significance
• Place your work in the proper context, that is:
• Timeliness
• Practical solution to a problem
• Fills a research gap
• Many implications for a wide range of problems
• Possibility of fruitful exploration with known
research techniques
• May decrease costs and/or improve quality of life

8. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Sample Significance and Impact Statement
Example
Optically driven nanoscale machineries, as described in this
proposal, could provide a prime example for the application
of fundamental science in today’s highly developed,
technology-driven world. Harnessing light force in
integrated silicon photonics will not only allow us to bring
transformative impact in the field of NEMS but will also
have significant impacts in the sciences and engineering as
well as for society as a whole.
• Addresses a possible solution to a major problem

9. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Signaling Elements in the
Background and Significance
BackgroundBackground Objective/AimObjective/Aim Significance/ImpactSignificance/Impact
Signal all elements of the section
Example
X is . . . Unknown . . . We propose to . . . It may provide
insight
•Organize your background section logically
•Present evidence objectively
•Provide the necessary amount of detail

10. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Signals in the Background Section
Background Unknown/need Objective/aim Significance/ impact
X is . . .
X affects . . .
X is a
component of Y
. . . is unknown
. . . is unclear
. . . has not been
determined
. . . is needed . . .
. . . is necessary
We propose to . . .
Our objective is . . .
We will examine the
hypothesis that . . .
Our overall goal is . . .
. . . may result in
. . . will contribute to
. . . may provide
insight into
. . . are important
for . . .
. . . may be used
to . . .

11. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Lengthy Background and Significance
Sections
For lengthy sections, add a summary or overview
Highlight why your proposal is important
• Recommended outline:
o Summary or Overview—one paragraph
o For each Aim:
o Background/rationale—one to two paragraphs
o Introduce the problem—one sentence
o Aim to solve problem—one to two sentences
o Significance and Impact—one short paragraph

12. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Significance versus Problem
Distinguish between significance and a problem
• Do not argue an illness or problem is significant
• State what you will do to alleviate the illness or
problem and how your work will advance the field
and/or public health
Example
Our work will shed important insights into coronary heart
disease by . . . , thus laying the foundation for new
treatment options and ultimately a reduction in the number
of death associated with this devastating disease.

13. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Significance versus Innovation
Distinguish between significance and a problem
• Your study not significant because you employ new
approach or new scientific research
• Your work is evaluated within context of a research
field
• Explain how your study will advance that field, hasten
translation, and improve lives