Researcher Pathways
We’ve outlined the many types of research opportunities available to you in the college sector.
At this point, you may be considering where you fit into the researcher spectrum and the next steps you can take to accomplish your particular goals.
Possible Steps on Your Researcher Pathway:
1. Explore
- If you are an early-stage researcher, you are encouraged to learn about funding opportunities, project roles and responsibilities, and college policies related to research.
- Attend webinars and gather resources (including CRI materials, such as this toolkit).
- At this stage, you may have a research idea in mind, but not necessarily. This could be shaped by funding calls, college programming changes, your community connections, etc.
2. Connect
- Regardless of whether you are a novice or experienced researcher, reach out to CRI to discuss your potential project and learn about support that may be available (financial and/or personnel).
- Have conversations with possible collaborators, such as internal or external colleagues, who may want to work on a project with you. This is a good time to initiate discussions with potential external partners who may be willing to provide financial and/or in-kind contributions.
- If you are a faculty member and plan to request course release, or if your project has the potential to possibly impact the curriculum, you will want to have a conversation with your Associate Dean to enlist their support.
3. Implement
- Once you feel ready to take the leap, start planning your project and drafting a proposal.
- Many early-stage researchers often utilize internal funding to gain beneficial research experience. The Research & Innovation Fund, which is internal funding for research offered by CRI, is perfect for projects which may be small in scope and short in duration. A RIF project could have the potential to lead to larger, externally-funded projects down the road.
Guidance on this step will be provided in Module 2: Planning the Research Project and Module 3: Preparing a Funding Submission.
4. Operationalize
- Congratulations! You have received funding!
- It’s time to begin the active phase of your research project. This includes hiring project participants, completing mandatory training, and creating your research tools.
- Complete the project, ensuring that you meet all conditions of funding.
Guidance on this step will be provided in Module 4: Conducting the Research.
5. Advance
- With a successful research project under your belt, you may feel equipped to take on another project.
- This toolkit has outlined many of the external funding opportunities available. Internal funding is also available for “Stream 2” projects, making larger sums available for partner-based projects.
- Don’t forget to promote your researcher profile and your findings. This could include an ORCID ID, so your colleagues and potential funders can quickly access your research.
Guidance on this step will be provided in Module 5: Sharing your Findings.
