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Connecting research with funding
We help researchers, universities and science teams craft compelling, high-impact communications to secure grants, build industry partnerships and get funding across the line.
LET'S WORK TOGETHERCOMMUNICATE IN CLEVER WAYS
Powerful science deserves powerful communication
At Straight Up, we work with researchers, government teams and science-based startups to connect bold ideas with the people and funding that help bring them to life.
Whether you need a winning grant application, a strategic communications plan, or help building partner relationships—our team brings scientific fluency, commercial insight, and genuine collaboration to every project.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Quality work from a team that gets it
Unlike mainstream marketers, we understand science—and the systems that support it. We combine subject-matter fluency with sharp strategy and spotless execution, so you don’t have to explain yourself twice.
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Strategic thinkers, not just wordsmiths
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Fluent across academia, government and industry
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Proven success in grants, partnerships, and complex communications
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Deep technical knowledge (plus a knack for clarity and tone)
Where would you like to start?
Grants & proposals
We've successfully secured over $200 million in grant or project funding (plus partner cash and in-kind contributions). Let us help you create an immediate impact.
Writing & design
We help researchers and scientists communicate to the partners that keep their work going, by identifying the most impactful messages and writing them in the language of the people who need to hear them.
 Strategic advisory
We act as your second brain, helping shape your value proposition, test assumptions and align messaging with what partners and funders need to hear.
Facilitation & coaching
Our team trains researchers and academics in positioning, writing and pitching -Â everything you need to highlight the commercial potential of your work.Â
Partnership & stakeholder engagement
We help manage relationships across academia, government and industry, ensuring clear, timely and strategic communication at every touchpoint.
FREE WORKSHOP
Confident you can write it—just need a head start?
Win more grants without wasting time, energy or your sanity
Kickstart your grant-writing success with our free online workshop—built for researchers who want to do it right, from the start.
ACCESS THE WORKSHOPAbout Straight Up
Founded by scientist-turned-communicator Damia Ettakadoumi, Straight Up is a specialist team of science-savvy writers, strategists and designers. We’ve been helping Australia’s brightest minds turn complex ideas into compelling narratives for nearly 20 years.
READ OUR STORY
Ian Overton
Green Industries SA
"I'm so grateful to be working with Straight Up on two important projects: a strategic document and a large grant proposal. It's been great to work with someone that is part of the team and takes action through her own initiative and brilliant contributions. Damia just gets things done!"
Dr Jordan Parham
1414 Degrees Ltd
“Straight Up translates and communicates detailed technical matters to a variety of audiences. They work with you to peel back the layers to draw out the core story and pitch, as well as think through the strategy of taking that back out to the target market. The team is easy and reliable to work with.”
Professor Peter Radoll
University of Canberra
"Thank you Damia for your incredible grant writing talent, and for ensuring the many contributions to our bid were weaved together to tell a compelling story in a united voice."
Professor Veronica Soebarto
University of Adelaide
"We are very pleased to work with the team at Straight Up in producing “Thermal Comfort at Home: A guide for older South Australians”. Not only did they listen and understand our goal, they also offered suggestions and solutions beyond our initial expectations. We are very happy with the outcome and look forward to working with Straight Up in the future."
Professor Graham 'Gus' Nathan
HILT CRC
“Straight Up is professional, easy to work with, and high quality. Damia was an important contributor to our bid team that secured $39 million in grant funding for the HILT CRC. She will go the extra mile to get something done.”
Professor Andrew Lowe
University of Adelaide
“Straight Up is very good at interpreting complex situations, and understanding what’s required for an opportunity. They think about what’s required and add strategic direction. They just get it.”
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