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CONNECTING RESEARCH WITH FUNDING

We help researchers, universities, tech entrepreneurs and science teams craft compelling, high-impact communications.

Secure grants, build industry partnerships, and get funding across the line with Straight Up. 

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 COMMUNICATE RESEARCH
THAT GETS FUNDED
Powerful research needs clear, compelling communication. 
We help researchers and science teams turn complex ideas into strong
narratives that attract funding and build meaningful partnerships. 

 --- Why Choose Us

QUALITY WORK FROM A TEAM THAT GETS IT

Unlike mainstream marketers, we understand science and other complex matters—and the systems that support them. We combine subject-matter fluency with sharp strategy and spotless execution, so you don’t have to explain yourself twice. 

Strategic thinkers, not just wordsmiths

Fluent across academia, government and industry

Proven success in grants, partnerships, and complex communications

Deep technical knowledge (plus a knack for clarity and tone)

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 --- About Us 

ABOUT 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. 

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO START?

We act as your second brain, helping shape your value proposition, test assumptions and align messaging with what partners and funders need to hear. 

Writing & Design

Polished communication materials - from websites to reports to event displays - help your target audience notice you. We identify the most impactful messages and write them in the language of your audiences.

Facilitation & coaching

Does your team need training in positioning, writing and pitching? From communication strategy to grant preparation, we have the knowledge and experience to upskill your strengths.

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.

Partnership & stakeholder engagement

We help manage relationships across academia, government and industry, ensuring clear, timely and strategic communication at every touchpoint.

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FREE CRC READINESS WORKSHOP
Enhance your early planning by tapping into Straight Up's experience in facilitating CRC grant applications. Ensure your core idea is clearly defined and aligned with the CRC Program goals. Streamline the planning process with valuable insights and knowledge. 

Book a Free 1 hour workshop with Straight Up and set you team on the path to success. 

By the end of the workshop you know: 

 →   how to refine your core idea 

 →  how to decide which partners you need 

 →  whether you are ready to apply 

Limited spaced available for free online workshops in February 2026. Or ask us about pricing for in-person workshops. Book a CRC Readiness Workshop for you team today.  

--- Client Testimonials

CAPTURING OUR
SUCCESS STORIES

Trusted By Researchers, Industry Leaders, And Institutions For Clear, Strategic Communication That Delivers Results.

★★★★★
"Thank you so much for your generous support and for helping make my National Academy of Inventors (NAI) application successful. Your expert guidance and polished insights made a critical difference."

PROFESSOR DUSAN LOSIC

ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY
★★★★★
"The advice, edits, and communications from Straight Up were outstanding, extremely detailed and timely to cope with my busy schedule. There is no way that I could have made a successful grant submission without their support."

ANONYMOUS PROFESSOR

UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
★★★★★
"I’ve repeatedly engaged Straight Up to equip my PhD students and early career researchers with essential science communication skills across various formats. Their tailored approach to writing presentations, poster design, audience analysis and effective science communication is consistently excellent. "

DR RUTH SHAW

ARC TRAINING CENTRE FOR CURRENT AND EMERGING QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES (CE-QUTECH)
★★★★★
"We are very pleased to work with the team at Straight Up in producing our guides. Not only did they listen and understand our goal, they offered suggestions and solutions beyond our initial expectations."

PROFESSOR VERONICA SOEBARTO

ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY
★★★★★
"I chose Straight Up because I want to get the job done. I need a partner I can trust. They understand audiences, their pain points, and what they need."

DR STEVE KERN

ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY
★★★★★
"Straight Up ensured the many contributors to our bid were weaved together to tell a compelling story in a unitied voice. Incredible grant writing talent."

PROFESSOR PETER RADOLL

UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA
★★★★★
"Straight Up is professional and high quality. They contributed to our bid team that secured $39 million in grant funding."

PROFESSOR GRAHAM NATHAN

HEAVY INDUSTRY LOW-CARBON TRANSITION (HILT) CRC
★★★★★
"Straight up is easy and reliable to work with. They work with you to peel back the layers to draw out the core story and pitch, then take that to the target market."

DR JORDAN PARHAM

DR JORDAN PARHAM | 1414 DEGREES
★★★★★
"Straight Up is very good at interpreting complex situations. They think about what's required and add strategic direction. They just get it."

PROFESSOR ANDREW LOWE

ADELAIDE UNIVERSIT
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TURNING COMPLEX RESEARCH INTO CLEAR IMPACT

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