Writing a Research Proposal
WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Robert L. Reid, M.D. Queen’s University
Copyright 30/09/05 by Robert L. Reid
Preliminary Questions
What is the specific question? Is the idea novel? Do your resources (i.e. facilities, equipment personnel, patient population, time, motivation) make this a realistic project for your centre at this time? Is the answer of sufficient importance? What funding agency is most appropriate?
Initial Steps
Do a thorough literature search Visit “Research Roadmap” at dept Ob/Gyn homepage http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/obgyn/re search/course2004.htm Enlist support of Supervisor / Mentor and Collaborators Meet to devise a research protocol
Remember
Win -Win
When you approach prospective collaborators remember that their enthusiasm will be proportional to their anticipated gain (mentorship, authorship, equipment, resources)
The Mentor
Role
Role Model Support and Encouragement - moral - financial - resources
Your Mentor’s Rewards
Your successes Your efforts lead to presentation or publication (co- authorship)
Collaborators
Roles
Share work Provide essential - Knowledge - Skills - Resources
Collaborators’ Rewards
Funding or equipment Co-authorship
Who are the reviewers for your grant application?
1) Relaxed knowledgeable government employees 2) Professional grant reviewers hired by CIHR or other granting agencies 3) Busy clinicians who have just finished a long day at the office
You must convince the reviewers that your research is important!
On second thought, I will approve your application for funding of the optical heat-ray research
The Title
Make it specific and captivating
“An alternative means to detect osteoporosis” VS. “ Osteoporosis : A rapid inexpensive office screening test for early detection ”
Hypothesis
Should be clearly stated in one or two sentences Do not make reviewers look for it
Objective
Define one or two specific objectives Do not try to answer too many questions
Robert L. Reid, M.D. Queen’s University
Copyright 30/09/05 by Robert L. Reid
Preliminary Questions
What is the specific question? Is the idea novel? Do your resources (i.e. facilities, equipment personnel, patient population, time, motivation) make this a realistic project for your centre at this time? Is the answer of sufficient importance? What funding agency is most appropriate?
Initial Steps
Do a thorough literature search Visit “Research Roadmap” at dept Ob/Gyn homepage http://meds.queensu.ca/medicine/obgyn/re search/course2004.htm Enlist support of Supervisor / Mentor and Collaborators Meet to devise a research protocol
Remember
Win -Win
When you approach prospective collaborators remember that their enthusiasm will be proportional to their anticipated gain (mentorship, authorship, equipment, resources)
The Mentor
Role
Role Model Support and Encouragement - moral - financial - resources
Your Mentor’s Rewards
Your successes Your efforts lead to presentation or publication (co- authorship)
Collaborators
Roles
Share work Provide essential - Knowledge - Skills - Resources
Collaborators’ Rewards
Funding or equipment Co-authorship
Who are the reviewers for your grant application?
1) Relaxed knowledgeable government employees 2) Professional grant reviewers hired by CIHR or other granting agencies 3) Busy clinicians who have just finished a long day at the office
You must convince the reviewers that your research is important!
On second thought, I will approve your application for funding of the optical heat-ray research
The Title
Make it specific and captivating
“An alternative means to detect osteoporosis” VS. “ Osteoporosis : A rapid inexpensive office screening test for early detection ”
Hypothesis
Should be clearly stated in one or two sentences Do not make reviewers look for it
Objective
Define one or two specific objectives Do not try to answer too many questions