Building a research program is not an easy task. It takes a lot of concentrated effort on behalf of the investigator, and is best facilitated by a group of committed senior mentors who can provide career guidance along the way. Most notably, the transition from working on other people’s grants to managing your own independent research ideas can be unnerving–to say the least. Many new investigators struggle with factors such as the logistics of writing grant applications, selecting the most appropriate funding source and mechanism, assembling an investigative team, and concisely articulating their research trajectory. With today’s funding climate, securing funding can be difficult. Thus, the importance of developing a solid, innovative research program is heightened. In this insightful Webinar, Dr. Brawner identifies challenges junior investigators (including postdoctoral fellows) face as they make the transition to build independently funded programs of research. She offers suggestions toward collaborating with previous mentors while also maintaining independence. Further, she provides step-by-step guidance that will help new investigators develop the confidence and skills to build their programs of research and establish a network of senior scientists.

1. SECRETS TO BUILDING A
STELLAR RESEARCH PROGRAM:
WHY NETWORKING IS KEY
DR. BRIDGETTE M. BRAWNER
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING
CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH
CENTER FOR GLOBAL WOMEN'S HEALTH
SCHOOL OF NURSING
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Brought to you by Principal Investigators Association

2. OBJECTIVES
1. Overview the process of developing a
program of research
2. Discuss key components of stellar research
programs
3. Highlight 5 networking secrets

3. 60-Minute Live Webinar on Thursday, February 7th at 3:00 PM EST.
Receive live attendance and a free recording in CD-Rom, MP4 or Transcript.
5 Key Take-Aways:
• Discussion of techniques to ORDER NOW For Only $59
articulate and market your
research interests Enter Coupon Code:
• Review of funding sources and
mechanisms, as well as the best ForYou59
fit for different levels of
experience
• Strategies to assemble a stellar
investigative team Click Here to Order Now or
• Overview of grant writing
logistics, including key Call 1-800-303-0129 ext. 506
components of successful
applications
• Strategies to position yourself for
federal funding through smaller To Learn More Click Here
pilot grants and publishing in
writing teams

4. I. THE PLANNING PROCESS
DEVELOPING A PROGRAM OF RESEARCH

5. WHERE DO I BEGIN?
• Topic
• Funding sources
• Mechanisms
• Collaborators
• Budgeting
• Dissemination plan
• To be established when the grant is submitted
• Would additional training be advantageous?

6. COMPONENTS OF SUCCESSFUL
APPLICATIONS
• Clear, innovative aims
• What makes your study stand out?
• Logical flow of the narrative
• Topics conceptually and visually connect
• Tables and figures
• Appease the reviewers’ eyes
• Strong investigative team
• Transdisciplinary Co-PIs or Co-Is
• Preliminary work
• Evidence of collaboration (e.g., joint publications)

7. FUNDING CLIMATE CHALLENGES
• Good score ≠ funded grant
• Adapt
• Multiple lines of inquiry
• Affiliate with “investigative teams”
• Weigh proposal risks
• R01 vs. R21 or R34
• Complex vs. more simple study

8. FILTER ADVICE & REQUESTS
• Determine alignment with career goals
• Know when and how to say no
• Broaden your interests without washing out
the research agenda

9. 60-Minute Live Webinar on Thursday, February 7th at 3:00 PM EST.
Receive live attendance and a free recording in CD-Rom, MP4 or Transcript.
5 Key Take-Aways:
• Discussion of techniques to ORDER NOW For Only $59
articulate and market your
research interests Enter Coupon Code:
• Review of funding sources and
mechanisms, as well as the best ForYou59
fit for different levels of
experience
• Strategies to assemble a stellar
investigative team Click Here to Order Now or
• Overview of grant writing
logistics, including key Call 1-800-303-0129 ext. 506
components of successful
applications
• Strategies to position yourself for
federal funding through smaller To Learn More Click Here
pilot grants and publishing in
writing teams

10. II. THE KEYS
STELLAR PROGRAMS OF RESEARCH

11. MENTORS
• Seeking independence vs. maintaining
collaborative times
• Expand the mentoring base and network
• Content area
• Career (e.g., Title & Position)
• Work/Life Balance

12. SCIENCE
• Building on vs. carving out a unique area of science
• Take risks when necessary
• Think outside of the box & challenge norms
• No time to train? Find a Co-I or consultant with the
expertise

13. MECHANISM
• Timing is key
• Know what you can handle
• Partially dictated by the budget
• What do you need to successfully accomplish the
aims?
• Fit with career goals
• How many years of funding do you need?
• Is protected time an issue?

14. POISE & CONFIDENCE
• You are the expert on your research
• Learn to own and command a room
• Humility ≠ Invisibility
• Market yourself (without being pompous)

15. DISSEMINATION
• Weigh writing additional grants against
concentrating on publications
• Aim high for impact journals
• The review feedback is critical for resubmissions
• Establish or engage with writing teams

16. 60-Minute Live Webinar on Thursday, February 7th at 3:00 PM EST.
Receive live attendance and a free recording in CD-Rom, MP4 or Transcript.
5 Key Take-Aways:
• Discussion of techniques to ORDER NOW For Only $59
articulate and market your
research interests Enter Coupon Code:
• Review of funding sources and
mechanisms, as well as the best ForYou59
fit for different levels of
experience
• Strategies to assemble a stellar
investigative team Click Here to Order Now or
• Overview of grant writing
logistics, including key Call 1-800-303-0129 ext. 506
components of successful
applications
• Strategies to position yourself for
federal funding through smaller To Learn More Click Here
pilot grants and publishing in
writing teams

17. III. THE SECRETS
EFFECTIVE NETWORKING STRATEGIES

18. WYK
• Remember: You may
•Who not know someone
personally, but a
colleague probably
•You has a connection!
•Know

19. LESS IS MORE
• Refine your “elevator speech”
• Describe who you are and what you do in 30-60
seconds
• Appease your listener
• Highlight the alignment in your research
• Briefly discuss their findings from the literature
• Clear, concise conversations are more
effective than jargon
• Stay focused and on task
• Watch their cues and respond accordingly

20. CONFERENCE CONNECTIONS
Your conference life will never be the same!
• Strategize the sessions you will attend beforehand
• Extend invitations for coffee or lunch
• Send follow-up emails ASAP after conversations
• Set goals and timelines for future collaborations

21. BE UNFORGETTABLE
• Highlight the skills/expertise you bring to the table
• Market your research interests
• Be mindful of the level of detail you divulge
• Stimulate interest without giving the full idea
Reflection Question: What makes you memorable?
• Tell a story or make a personal connection
• Don’t just be another business card in the pile

22. FOLLOW THROUGH
• Be a (wo)man of your word
• Always complete tasks, or provide
advanced notice
• Expect the unexpected and prepare

23. TAKE HOME MESSAGES
• Nail down your 30-60 second “elevator speech”
• Talk with local mentors to determine the best
funding source & mechanism for your research
goals
• Review examples of successfully funded grants
(tailor application to the funder)
• Use all available resources (including conferences &
colleagues) to network with senior investigators
• Publish, publish, publish!

24. 60-Minute Live Webinar on Thursday, February 7th at 3:00 PM EST.
Receive live attendance and a free recording in CD-Rom, MP4 or Transcript.
5 Key Take-Aways:
• Discussion of techniques to ORDER NOW For Only $59
articulate and market your
research interests Enter Coupon Code:
• Review of funding sources and
mechanisms, as well as the best ForYou59
fit for different levels of
experience
• Strategies to assemble a stellar
investigative team Click Here to Order Now or
• Overview of grant writing
logistics, including key Call 1-800-303-0129 ext. 506
components of successful
applications
• Strategies to position yourself for
federal funding through smaller To Learn More Click Here
pilot grants and publishing in
writing teams

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