rgc-figure

name	rgc-figure
description	RGC GRF/CRF proposal figure creation guide. Covers conceptual diagrams, research roadmaps, methodology flowcharts, Gantt charts, and design principles. Includes Mermaid/Python templates.
version	0.1.0

RGC Proposal Figure Creation Guide

Why Figures Matter

• Page limits are strict (15 pages for GRF) — a good figure conveys more than a page of text
• Reviewers scan proposals quickly; clear diagrams create strong first impressions
• Figures demonstrate professionalism and clarity of thought
• Do NOT paste low-resolution screenshots from published papers
• Maintain consistent style and color scheme throughout the proposal

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Common Figure Types in RGC Proposals

1. Conceptual / Overview Diagram (Most Important)

Location: Introduction or beginning of Research Plan Purpose: Summarize the entire project in one figure — "Problem → Approach → Expected Outcome"

Design tips:

• Keep it simple: 5–7 core elements maximum
• Clear hierarchy: left-to-right or top-to-bottom flow
• Harmonious colors with key elements highlighted
• Should be understandable to a non-specialist reviewer

2. Research Framework / Methodology Flowchart

Purpose: Show the logical flow of the research methodology

Common layouts:

Sequential: (Mermaid graph LR: Data Collection → Analysis → Model Development → Validation → Application)

Parallel workstreams: (Mermaid graph TD: Core Research Question → Objective 1 / Objective 2 / Objective 3 → Integrated Outcome)

Iterative: (Mermaid graph TD: Hypothesis → Experiment → Analysis → Refinement → back to Hypothesis)

3. Research Roadmap / Technical Route

Purpose: Show the full implementation pathway Elements: Inputs → Methods → Intermediate outputs → Final deliverables

4. Preliminary Results / Track Record

• Combine key figures from your prior publications into a summary panel
• Label each sub-figure with the publication reference
• Briefly annotate how each relates to the proposed project

5. Project Timeline (Gantt Chart)

gantt
    title Project Timeline
    dateFormat YYYY-MM
    axisFormat %Y-%m

    section Objective 1
    Literature review & data collection  :2027-01, 6M
    Method development                   :2027-07, 9M

    section Objective 2
    Experimental work                    :2027-07, 12M
    Analysis & validation                :2028-07, 6M

    section Objective 3
    Integration & testing                :2028-07, 9M
    Final analysis                       :2029-01, 6M

    section Dissemination
    Publications & conferences           :2028-01, 18M

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Tools for Creating Figures

Mermaid (Recommended for flowcharts)

• Embeddable in Markdown
• Good for quick flowcharts, Gantt charts, sequence diagrams
• Export as SVG/PNG
• Online editor: https://mermaid.live

Python (matplotlib / plotly)

• Best for customized, high-quality figures
• Template script: scripts/generate_roadmap.py
• Supports high-resolution output

draw.io / diagrams.net

• Free, browser-based diagramming tool
• Good for complex conceptual diagrams
• Export as SVG/PNG/PDF

TikZ (for LaTeX users)

• Produces publication-quality vector graphics
• Steeper learning curve but excellent output

PowerPoint / Keynote

• Good for complex conceptual diagrams with manual layout
• Export at 300 DPI minimum

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Design Principles

Color Schemes

• Blue tones: Professional, suitable for engineering / physical sciences
• Green tones: Suitable for life sciences / environmental studies
• Warm tones: Suitable for energy / materials science
• Neutral + accent: Safe choice for any discipline
• Recommended tool: https://colorbrewer2.org

Typography

• English: Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman
• Chinese (if needed): Microsoft YaHei / Noto Sans CJK
• Minimum font size: 8pt in final output

Resolution

• Minimum 300 DPI for raster images
• Prefer vector formats (PDF/SVG) when possible

Layout

• Adequate white space and consistent alignment
• Consistent arrow direction throughout
• Sequential figure numbering (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, ...)
• Every figure must have a descriptive caption

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Suggested Number of Figures

Grant Type	Suggested Figures	Key Figures
GRF (HK$0.5–1.5M / 2–3 yr)	4–8	Conceptual diagram, methodology flowchart, Gantt chart
ECS (similar to GRF)	3–6	Conceptual diagram, methodology, preliminary results
CRF Group (HK$2–10M / 3–5 yr)	8–15	All of above + collaboration structure, institutional roles
CRF Equipment	3–5	Equipment specifications, usage plan, institutional sharing