Testimonials and References

While working with Mark, the quality of his work regarding medical writing documentation is excellent. Due to his professional skills and wide range of health-related experience, he can identify critical areas that require attention in a precise manner. When meeting clients’ needs, he is able to provide valuable suggestions and inputs to address the matter accurately. He is a supportive team player, always willing to help and support others. As a Manager, I am glad to work with him and have no hesitation in recommending him to potential employers.

NSW Health Pathology used Mark as our external reviewer for our Translational Research Grant Scheme (TRGS) EOIs this year, and had nothing but positive feedback from our researchers, saying that the comments were informative and useful. Reflecting Mark’s extensive knowledge in grant writing/review, especially concerning TRGS grants.

We would certainly use Eriter Consulting again to make our grant applications more competitive. (July

2023)

This was a great session. Mark provided us with a clear and comprehensive overview of the major sources of medical and health research grant opportunities in Australia, which was useful for our members. The documentation he provided on past awarded grants relevant to our specialty areas was also incredibly helpful and has informed our grant application strategy. We will certainly reach out to Eriter Consulting in the future should we require their expertise again. (July 2022)

Mark’s extensive experience in the grant application space was highly evident during his presentation. He provided useful tips on how to find and apply for grants and reminded our audience to always be thinking ahead to future grant opportunities. He made himself available for questions following his presentation and engaged with attendees throughout the event. Mark was able to tailor his presentation to include specific points of interest for our audience. (June 2022)

Mark Smith made grant writing sound so easy and fun … we had nothing but positive feedback. Mark has extensive experience in grant writing/review, which was so obvious. If you have thoughts of educating your researchers in grant writing, I recommend using Mark and Eriter Consulting. (April 2022)

Mark’s extensive knowledge of the requirements of the OGTR and his unique ability to utilise and impart this knowledge to others was truly beneficial to both experienced and novice researchers working with GMOs. (He) was also responsible for overseeing the regular inspection of all PC2 facilities within the WSLHD and identifying deficiencies and non-conformances enabling prompt and appropriate remedial action.

Mark was exceptionally helpful in the formative phase of my clinically related research endeavours, assisting with reviewing research protocols and grant submissions. His input was detailed, relevant and exceptionally useful and his turnaround time was prompt. I would highly recommend Mark’s services for review of research related matters, his expertise and skills set in this area is extensive.

His exceptional knowledge of the gene technology … guided us carefully through the … approval process. He was able to find the right answers. His scientific background and administrative skills gave him a big advantage in navigating us scientists through the legal matters. His carefully conducted facility inspections and document audits for Biosafety and GMO regulations helped us to stay within the legal framework.

Mark has been a close mentor in looking after my career progression from my return from a post doctorate position at Harvard to Westmead Hospital as a staff specialist cardiologist. He has tirelessly reviewed multiple grants with the greatest dedication, commitment and perspective. We have had many long conversations about improving the appeal for grants, readability, translation and scalability. Mark has fundamentally helped me define my career – in obtaining grants and fellowships and in helping my career trajectory in a major way. I have no hesitation in having Mark in my team. He is a real asset in any research team.

With his scientific background and managerial experience Mark has proven to be an excellent scientific manager. He is diligent, pays attention to detail and is highly knowledgeable. He was responsible for many aspects of the development of the first building of the Westmead Millennium Institute, interfacing with architects, builders and scientists and guiding the delivery and ultimately operations of the finished building. He interfaces well with the scientific staff and is an extraordinary repository of key information required for compliance with all aspects of the regulation of research. I observed directly his scientific knowledge, skills and advocacy for research.

Mark was fantastic in providing valuable feedback for multiple scholarship applications I had submitted. He has a fine eye for detail and brought in new perspectives to my applications. In particular the consumer engagement component of the applications, which are so important, especially for the National Heart Foundation Scholarship, were a struggle for me and Mark’s help was invaluable. Similarly  he helped me communicate clear research plans with accurate power calculations.  I greatly appreciated all his help in elevating my applications which I otherwise would not have been able to do.

(He has) extensive knowledge of laboratory science, … the management and practice of medical research. (He) has amassed a unique and comprehensive set of skills, experience and knowledge diligent attention to detail and process. From Department heads and professors to research students and laboratory technicians have seen (him) as a colleague and collaborator.

Mark was highly regarded and respected in his capacity is secretary of the IBC. He had a robust understanding of gene technology and the Gene Technology Act derived from working in this space for almost three decades. Mark has facilitated the use of advanced therapeutics (gene therapy and CAR-T cells) in early phase clinical trials, positioning Westmead as a national leader. Mark enabled exciting, high-level and often cutting-edge research to be undertaken at Westmead.

(Mark) has been an assiduous communicator, offering comprehensive research-related information. (He) is a highly effective research manager and administrator, strongly committed to his work that he views as public service in the best sense, whose own background in research is a great asset. He was a man of the highest integrity and admirable commitment to his work.

His skills in communication and mentorship are very strong. Many senior researchers and academics have relied on his advice, and many junior scientists have benefited from his tutelage. (His) contributions have undoubtedly made the difference between success and failure in multiple project designs or grant applications.

He has figured prominently in the development of my research career from its beginning. He deliberately reviewed grant applications internally and provided very helpful feedback on form and content. Through his years of experience, he understood … how to pitch a successful application. This was very helpful for new and experienced researchers alike. Mark works to a very high standard and often inspires those around him to do the same. He is diligent, competent and reliable making him highly effective.

Mark’s experience and knowledge of science and research was extensive and invaluable. He is highly conscientious, with a good eye for detail, works well to deadlines and has an intricate knowledge of research within the health environment and the regulatory requirements that frame it. (He is) always very committed to research and to the researchers and (He) provided expert advice on matters relating to Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

His critical review of the scientific components of grants was insightful and helpful. He provided thorough advice and support for competitive grant funding schemes. (He is) always conscientious, demonstrated a good eye for detail and was able to meet deadlines with efficiency. (He has) a wealth of knowledge of all aspects of medical research and its administration. He established and ran all internally funded research programs.

Mark has been enormously helpful to me with various research grant applications over the last 3 years. His pleasant demeanour, experience, scientific approach and editing skills have been invaluable. He’s been great at negotiating the strict grant guidelines and deadlines of various funders. Mark has always been readily available and nothing has ever been too much trouble. I’ve appreciated the way he has steered applications through the various administrative hoops, allowing me to focus on the “science”.

I have found Mark’s feedback regarding grant proposals to be valuable in helping keep on scope and ensuring the right information is included. Mark’s expertise is evident in him being able to fine tune grant applications and provide insight into what reviewers are looking for. The quick turn around times are very helpful with tight deadlines. Undoubtedly, his input has contributed to successes we have had with grant outcomes in the past.