Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Research The Research Process: How might you be involved?

The Basic Research Process Need for research identified A call for proposals developed Researchers submit their proposals Proposals peer reviewed & assessed Commissioning Board allocate funding Research conducted & report submitted Report peer reviewed & findings shared New policy or practice may be formed

The Basic Research Process Need for research identified A call for proposals developed Researchers submit their proposals Proposals peer reviewed & assessed Commissioning Board allocate funding Research conducted & report submitted Report peer reviewed & findings shared New policy or practice may be formed

Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Research The Research Proposal

What is a ‘Research Proposal’? The Proposal is a key feature of the research world: A document with which a researcher formally presents their proposed plan for a piece of research. Approval of this proposal is generally required before research can proceed. The proposal also forms the template for a research project and can serve as a plan.

Why would someone write a research proposal? Generally, there are 2 main situations in which you would write a proposal: 1. University context – e.g. PhD, Masters etc and 2. Research grant or funding context – e.g. application for money from government, organisation or private company.

What areas does a proposal cover? Primarily, the proposal tells the reader: what the proposed research is about; what it is trying to find out or achieve; how it fits into the context of past research; what methods the research will use; what will be learnt; and why is it worth learning.

How are proposals assessed? (1) Proposals are often assessed on 2 levels: 1. General Level; and 2. Technical Level

How are proposals assessed? (2) General Level – reader concerned with the overall viability of the proposed study, for example: Is it feasible and doable? Is it worth doing? Can the candidate do it? (clarity of thought, quality of writing, ability to express ideas) and Would it produce a useful end product?

How are proposals assessed? (3) Technical Level – reader looks at the proposal in much more detail, for example: Is the research design appropriate? What is the quality of the data collection? What is the quality of the data analysis? Is this a good use of the available funding? Are those involved adequately reimbursed?; and Have the ethical issues been resolved?

Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Group Exercise: Assessing a research proposal