# Rgc Figure

> RGC GRF/CRF proposal figure creation guide. Covers conceptual diagrams, research roadmaps, methodology flowcharts, Gantt charts, and design principles. Includes Mermaid/Python templates.

- Skill: `mengzili/rgc-figure` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add mengzili/rgc-figure`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/mengzili/rgc-figure/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: mengzili (https://skillmd.com/u/mengzili)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/mengzili/rgc-figure

---


# 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

---

## 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)

```mermaid
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
```

---

## 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

---

## 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

---

## 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 |