Research Roadmap

A solid research plan begins by mapping out the key aspects needed to turn your idea into a successful research project. Start by formulating a specific research question and hypothesis, and identify the appropriate study design that will provide the most unbiased answers. Next, consider practical aspects: are there sufficient financial resources and staff to conduct the intended study? Have you identified a sponsor? Do you have access to the necessary facilities? Do you need collaborations? Is the number of participants to be recruited feasible?  

As you refine your idea, ask yourself: is this study innovative? Does it align with the department's or division’s research focus? Is it relevant to potential sponsors? Is the research question exploratory/descriptive or confirmatory? Does the scientific importance outweigh potential risks to participants? Is the study likely to produce results that are publishable? And so on.