Guidelines for Crafting a Successful Research Protocol
This process of prioritizing and defining the key steps and processes towards:
- Defining and outlining a well-structured and scientifically sound research project
- Organizing and presenting the research project ideas/aims in a compelling manner towards securing ongoing funding
This process is intended to facilitate investigator efforts to pose their research question, define their research plan and prepare a compelling application for funding.
DEFINE RESEARCH QUESTIONS/ASSESS FEASIBILITY
- Assess current knowledge (literature review)
- State research question (hypothesis)
- Define research goal(s)
- Ensure adequate patient population
- Ensure practice group/divisional support
OUTLINE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
- Refine hypothesis
- Design research aims
- Determine experimental design (including power calculations, expected outcomes and potential problems and alternative approaches)
- Determine preliminary data required to support proposal
DEFINE REQUIRED RESOURCES & LAY FOUNDATION FOR PROJECT
- Identify necessary institutional resources already in place (pilot funds, cores)
- Conduct a gap analysis (e.g. key collaborators, areas of expertise, critical skillsets)
- Identify mentors & collaborators
- Generate preliminary data (see link for list of possible pilot funding opportunities.
- Develop plans and set key milestones for presenting results (abstracts, publications)
SUBMIT RESEARCH GRANT APPLICATION
- Identify funding mechanism
- Communicate with the program staff
- Notify Research Administration of your intent to submit. (If you are an Emory faculty member, you can accomplish this step by submitting an "Intent to Submit Form"
- Create writing schedule and deadlines – include time for critical review from mentors/colleagues
- Use effective grant writing techniques
- Collecting & refining supplementary material
o Biosketches
o Creating budget/budget justification
o Resources & Environment
o Letters of support
o Human subjects and/or animal use
o Budgets