Welcome to the Research Pathway!

No matter where you are in your research career - whether you're a new investigator seeking funding for the first time or a senior investigator with federal funding under your belt - the steps outlined in this Research Pathway are designed to help you reach your funding goals. The information presented here is meant to help you understand the many different steps involved in obtaining funding for your research. We provide descriptive information, samples from funded proposals, as well as anecdotes from fellow researchers. As are most things in life, the Research Pathway is a fluid, ever-changing path that starts and ends at different places for different people. One thing is certain - there is something here for everyone!

• Step One: Identifying the Research Questions



This is a process, not a linear step-wise approach. First you identify a need, a gap in the literature or in practice, or you have a creative idea. Now you review the literature, talk to people, start putting your team together, find a mentor, and during all of this you keep defining and refining your research question. It is important that your question be FINER.

• Feasible
• Interesting
• Novel
• Ethical
• Relavant
• Step Two: Project Preliminary Steps

As you look ahead to applying for and obtaining external funding, there are many steps that must be done along the way. This is where you establish both your research and you as something to invest in.

It is simple. Where are you? Where do you need to do? What is your plan for getting you from where you are to where you need to be?

• Step Three: Writing the Grant



All you work will culminate in the grant writing process. You will need to write a compelling and strong narrative, define and defend your study, identify the process and implementation plan, and document your previous study outcomes and your achievements as a researcher. And you need to do all of this prior to the due date.
        Click here if you need a biostatistician or other expert.

• Step Four: Review



After you have finished putting your narrative together take the time to find an experienced researcher who can review your product. Please contact the Research Facilitation Team if you need help.

• Step Five: The Finished Product



You have finished your narrative and it is time to put your proposal together. You will need letters of support, an current Bio Sketch, completed internal forms (OSP), and more. This is where the Research Facilitation Team can really make a difference. Let us help you through this process.