Develop an Idea

It can take many years of skills development, dedication, experience and expertise in a specific area, along with grant writing practice to transform an idea into a fully funded collaborative research study. Nonetheless, a good idea and enthusiasm are key starting points.

Here are some useful tips as well as links and resources to help you think about how to develop your idea into a research question, identify funding opportunities and carry out research and maximise impact.

Step 1. Thinking about your research topic

Step 1. Thinking about your research topic

The first step of developing an idea is to explore the research in the area by reading around your chosen subject in the scientific literature (e.g current periodicals and academic journals) and related policy documents.

Step 2. Finding collaborators and involving the public in research design

Step 2. Finding collaborators and involving the public in research design

A valuable step is to discuss your informed idea with others who have similar areas of interest and might help further refine your idea and collaborate with you.

Step 3. Defining the research question and writing a protocol

Step 3. Defining the research question and writing a protocol

Now that you have identified collaborators and engaged with the public, it is time to define your research question and how you will go about investigating it.

Step 4. External funding

Step 4. External funding

Now that you have designed a research protocol, it is time to identify potential funders.

Step 5. Research Governance and Permissions

Step 5. Research Governance and Permissions

Before you begin any research study you must ensure that you have the necessary research governance permissions in place.

Step 6. Carrying out your research study and disseminating your findings

Step 6. Carrying out your research study and disseminating your findings

With funding secured and necessary permissions granted, your research study can begin.