Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
Download our research proposal template
Discover proofreading & editing
Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
? or ? , , or research design? | |
, )? ? | |
, , , )? | |
? |
To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Methodology
Statistics
Research bias
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, get unlimited documents corrected.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
Peer Recognized
Make a name in academia
Looking for research funding can be a daunting task, especially when you are starting out. A great way to improve grant-writing skills is to get inspired by winning research proposal examples.
To assist you in writing a competitive proposal, I have curated a collection of real-life research proposal examples from various scientific disciplines. These examples will allow you to gain inspiration about the way research proposals are structured and written.
A research proposal serves as a road-map for a project, outlining the objectives, methodology, resources, and expected outcomes. The main goal of writing a research proposal is to convince funding agency of the value and feasibility of a research project. But a proposal also helps scientists themselves to clarify their planned approach.
While the exact structure may vary depending on the science field and institutional guidelines, a research proposal typically includes the following sections: Problem, Objectives, Methodology, Resources, Participants, Results&Impact, Dissemination, Timeline, and Budget. I will use this structure for the example research proposals in this article.
Here is a brief description of what each of the nine proposal sections should hold.
A concise and informative title that captures the essence of the research proposal. Sometimes an abstract is required that briefly summarizes the proposed project.
Clearly define the research problem or gap in knowledge that the study aims to address. Present relevant background information and cite existing literature to support the need for further investigation.
State the specific objectives and research questions that the study seeks to answer. These objectives should be clear, measurable, and aligned with the problem statement.
Methodology
Describe the research design, methodology, and techniques that will be employed to collect and analyze data. Justify your chosen approach and discuss its strengths and limitations.
Outline the resources required for the successful execution of the research project, such as equipment, facilities, software, and access to specific datasets or archives.
Participants
Describe the research team’s qualification for implementing the research methodology and their complementary value
Results and Impact
Describe the expected results, outcomes, and potential impact of the research. Discuss how the findings will contribute to the field and address the research gap identified earlier.
Dissemination
Explain how the research results will be disseminated to the academic community and wider audiences. This may include publications, conference presentations, workshops, data sharing or collaborations with industry partners.
Develop a realistic timeline that outlines the major milestones and activities of the research project. Consider potential challenges or delays and incorporate contingency plans.
Provide a detailed budget estimate, including anticipated expenses for research materials, equipment, participant compensation, travel, and other relevant costs. Justify the budget based on the project’s scope and requirements.
Consider that the above-mentioned proposal headings can be called differently depending on the funder’s requirements. However, you can be sure in one proposal’s section or another each of the mentioned sections will be included. Whenever provided, always use the proposal structure as required by the funding agency.
This research proposal template includes the nine headings that we just discussed. For each heading, a key sentence skeleton is provided to help you to kick-start the proposal writing process.
Proposals can vary from field to field so I will provide you with research proposal examples proposals in four main branches of science: social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering and technology. For each science field, you will be able to download real-life winning research proposal examples.
To illustrate the principle of writing a scientific proposal while adhering to the nine sections I outlined earlier, for each discipline I will also provide you with a sample hypothetical research proposal. These examples are formulated using the key sentence structure that is included in the download template .
In case the research proposal examples I provide do not hold exactly what you are looking for, use the Open Grants database. It holds approved research proposals from various funding agencies in many countries. When looking for research proposals examples in the database, use the filer to search for specific keywords and organize the results to view proposals that have been funded.
Here are real-life research proposal examples of funded projects in social sciences.
(Cultural Anthropology) | |
Here is an outline of a hypothetical Social Sciences research proposal that is structured using the nine proposal sections we discussed earlier. This proposal example is produced using the key sentence skeleton that you will access in the proposal template .
The Influence of Social Media on Political Participation among Young Adults
Social media platforms have become prominent spaces for political discussions and information sharing. However, the impact of social media on political participation among young adults remains a topic of debate.
With the project, we aim to establish the relationship between social media usage and political engagement among young adults. To achieve this aim, we have three specific objectives:
During the project, a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews will be used to determine the impact of social media use on youth political engagement. In particular, surveys will collect data on social media usage, political participation, and attitudes. Interviews will provide in-depth insights into participants’ experiences and perceptions.
The project will use survey software, transcription tools, and statistical analysis software to statistically evaluate the gathered results. The project will also use project funding for participant compensation.
Principal investigator, Jane Goodrich will lead a multidisciplinary research team comprising social scientists, political scientists, and communication experts with expertise in political science and social media research.
The project will contribute to a better understanding of the influence of social media on political participation among young adults, including:
We will disseminate the research results within policymakers and NGOs through academic publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at relevant conferences, and policy briefs.
The project will start will be completed within two years and for the first two objectives a periodic report will be submitted in months 12 and 18.
The total eligible project costs are 58,800 USD, where 15% covers participant recruitment and compensation, 5% covers survey software licenses, 55% are dedicated for salaries, and 25% are intended for dissemination activities.
Here are real-life research project examples in life sciences.
| |
| |
(postdoctoral fellowship) | |
(National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences) |
Here is a hypothetical research proposal example in Life Sciences. Just like the previous example, it consists of the nine discussed proposal sections and it is structured using the key sentence skeleton that you will access in the proposal template .
Investigating the Role of Gut Microbiota in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (GUT-MET)
Obesity and metabolic syndrome pose significant health challenges worldwide, leading to numerous chronic diseases and increasing healthcare costs. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms underlying these conditions remain incompletely understood. A critical knowledge gap exists regarding the role of gut microbiota in the development and progression of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
With the GUT-MET project, we aim to unravel the complex interactions between gut microbiota and obesity/metabolic syndrome. To achieve this aim, we have the following specific objectives:
During the project, we will employ the following key methodologies:
The project will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including advanced sequencing and analytical equipment, as well as access to a well-established cohort of participants with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Dr. Emma Johnson, a renowned expert in gut microbiota research and Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of PeerRecognized, will lead the project. Dr. Johnson has published extensively in high-impact journals and has received multiple research grants focused on the gut microbiota and metabolic health.
The project will deliver crucial insights into the role of gut microbiota in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Specifically, it will:
We will actively disseminate the project results within the scientific community, healthcare professionals, and relevant stakeholders through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at international conferences, and engagement with patient advocacy groups.
The project will be executed over a period of 36 months. Key milestones include data collection and analysis, animal studies, manuscript preparation, and knowledge transfer activities.
The total eligible project costs are $1,500,000, with the budget allocated for 55% personnel, 25% laboratory supplies, 5% data analysis, and 15% knowledge dissemination activities as specified in the research call guidelines.
Here are real-life research proposal examples of funded projects in natural sciences.
(FNU) | |
(USGS) (Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program) | |
(Earth Venture Mission – 3 NNH21ZDA002O) |
Here is a Natural Sciences research proposal example that is structured using the same nine sections. I created this proposal example using the key sentence skeleton that you will access in the proposal template .
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity Dynamics in Fragile Ecosystems (CLIM-BIODIV)
Climate change poses a significant threat to global biodiversity, particularly in fragile ecosystems such as tropical rainforests and coral reefs. Understanding the specific impacts of climate change on biodiversity dynamics within these ecosystems is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the precise mechanisms through which climate change influences species composition, population dynamics, and ecosystem functioning in these vulnerable habitats.
With the CLIM-BIODIV project, we aim to assess the impact of climate change on biodiversity dynamics in fragile ecosystems. To achieve this aim, we have the following specific objectives:
The project will benefit from access to field sites in ecologically sensitive regions, advanced remote sensing technology, and collaboration with local conservation organizations to facilitate data collection and knowledge sharing.
Dr. Alexander Chen, an established researcher in climate change and biodiversity conservation, will lead the project. Dr. Chen is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Peer Recognized, with a track record of three Nature publications and successful grant applications exceeding 25 million dollars.
The project will provide valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on biodiversity dynamics in fragile ecosystems. It will:
We will disseminate the project results to the scientific community, conservation practitioners, and policymakers through publications in reputable journals, participation in international conferences, and engagement with local communities and relevant stakeholders.
The project will commence on March 1, 2024, and will be implemented over a period of 48 months. Key milestones include data collection and analysis, modeling exercises, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge transfer activities. These are summarized in the Gantt chart.
The total eligible project costs are $2,000,000, with budget allocation for research personnel, fieldwork expenses, laboratory analyses, modeling software, data management, and dissemination activities.
Here are real-life research proposal examples of funded research projects in the field of science and technology.
(USGS) (Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship) | |
(ROSES E.7 (Support for Open Source Tools, Frameworks, and Libraries)) |
Here is a hypothetical Engineering and Technology research proposal example that is structured using the same nine proposal sections we discussed earlier. I used the key sentence skeleton available in the proposal template to produce this example.
Developing Sustainable Materials for Energy-Efficient Buildings (SUST-BUILD)
The construction industry is a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this issue requires the development of sustainable materials that promote energy efficiency in buildings. However, there is a need for innovative engineering solutions to overcome existing challenges related to the performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of such materials.
With the SUST-BUILD project, we aim to develop sustainable materials for energy-efficient buildings. Our specific objectives are as follows:
The project will benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including material testing equipment, thermal analysis tools, and coating application setups. Collaboration with industry partners will facilitate the translation of research findings into practical applications.
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an experienced researcher in sustainable materials and building technologies, will lead the project. Dr. Rodriguez holds a position as Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering at Peer Recognized University and has a strong publication record and expertise in the field.
The project will deliver tangible outcomes for energy-efficient buildings. It will:
We will disseminate project results to relevant stakeholders, including industry professionals, architects, and policymakers. This will be accomplished through publications in scientific journals, presentations at conferences and seminars, and engagement with industry associations.
The project will commence on September 1, 2024, and will be implemented over a period of 36 months. Key milestones include material development and optimization, performance testing, prototype fabrication, and knowledge transfer activities. The milestones are summarized in the Gantt chart.
The total eligible project costs are $1,800,000. The budget will cover personnel salaries (60%), materials and equipment (10%), laboratory testing (5%), prototyping (15%), data analysis (5%), and dissemination activities (5%) as specified in the research call guidelines.
Come up with a good research idea.
Ideas are the currency of research world. I have prepared a 3 step approach that will help you to come up with a research idea that is worth turning into a proposal. You can download the Research Idea Generation Toolkit in this article.
Before even writing one sentence of the research proposal, I suggest you use the Research Project Canvas . It will help you to first come up with different research ideas and then choose the best one for writing a full research proposal.
Treat the submission guide like a Monk treats the Bible and follow its strict requirements to the last detail. The funder might set requirements for the topic, your experience, employment conditions, host institution, the research team, funding amount, and so forth.
What you would like to do in the research is irrelevant unless it falls within the boundaries defined by the funder.
Make the reviewer’s job of finding flaws in your proposal difficult by ensuring that you have addressed each requirement clearly. If applicable, you can even use a table with requirements versus your approach. This will make your proposed approach absolutely evident for the reviewers.
Before submitting, assess your proposal using the criteria reviewers have to follow.
Before writing your research proposal, conduct comprehensive background research to familiarize yourself with existing literature, theories, and methodologies related to your topic. This will help you identify research gaps and formulate research questions that address these gaps. You will also establish competence in the eyes of reviewers by citing relevant literature.
Define research questions that are specific, measurable, and aligned with the problem statement.
If you think the reviewers might be from a field outside your own, avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language to help them to understand the proposal better.
Be specific in describing the research methodology. For example, include a brief description of the experimental methods you will rely upon, add a summary of the materials that you are going to use, attach samples of questionnaires that you will use, and include any other proof that demonstrates the thoroughness you have put into developing the research plan. Adding a flowchart is a great way to present the methodology.
Develop a realistic project timeline that includes key milestones and activities, allowing for potential challenges or delays. Similarly, create a detailed budget estimate that covers all anticipated expenses, ensuring that it aligns with the scope and requirements of your research project. Be transparent and justify your budget allocations.
Clearly articulate the significance of your research and its potential impact on the field. Discuss how your findings can contribute to theory development, practical applications, policy-making, or other relevant areas.
Follow the formatting and style guidelines provided by your institution or funding agency. Pay attention to details such as font size, margins, referencing style, and section headings. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.
After preparing the first draft, set it aside for at least a week. Then thoroughly check it for logic and revise, revise, revise. Use the proposal submission guide to review your proposal against the requirements. Remember to use grammar checking tools to check for errors.
Finally, read the proposal out loud. This will help to ensure good readability.
Share your proposal with mentors, colleagues, or members of your research community to receive constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Take these seriously since they provide a third party view of what is written (instead of what you think you have written).
Reviewing good examples is one of the best ways to learn a new skill. I hope that the research proposal examples in this article will be useful for you to get going with writing your own research proposal.
Have fun with the writing process and I hope your project gets approved!
The research proposal examples I provided will help you to improve your grant writing skills. But learning from example proposals alone will take you a rather long time to master writing winning proposals.
To write a winning research proposal, you have to know how to add that elusive X-Factor that convinces the reviewers to move your proposal from the category “good” to the category “support”. This includes creating self-explanatory figures, creating a budget, collaborating with co-authors, and presenting a convincing story.
To write a research proposal that maximizes your chances of receiving research funding, read my book “ Write a Winning Research Proposal “.
This isn’t just a book. It’s a complete research proposal writing toolkit that includes a project ideation canvas, budget spreadsheet, project rating scorecard, virtual collaboration whiteboard, proposal pitch formula, graphics creation cheat sheet, review checklist and other valuable resources that will help you succeed.
Hey! My name is Martins Zaumanis and I am a materials scientist in Switzerland ( Google Scholar ). As the first person in my family with a PhD, I have first-hand experience of the challenges starting scientists face in academia. With this blog, I want to help young researchers succeed in academia. I call the blog “Peer Recognized”, because peer recognition is what lifts academic careers and pushes science forward.
Besides this blog, I have written the Peer Recognized book series and created the Peer Recognized Academy offering interactive online courses.
Hi Martins, I’ve recently discovered your content and it is great. I will be implementing much of it into my workflow, as well as using it to teach some graduate courses! I noticed that a materials science-focused proposal could be a very helpful addition.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
I want to join the Peer Recognized newsletter!
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |
Copyright © 2024 Martins Zaumanis
Contacts: [email protected]
Privacy Policy
An official website of the United States government
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .
Health research, medical education and clinical practice form the three pillars of modern day medical practice. As one authority rightly put it: ‘Health research is not a luxury, but an essential need that no nation can afford to ignore’. Health research can and should be pursued by a broad range of people. Even if they do not conduct research themselves, they need to grasp the principles of the scientific method to understand the value and limitations of science and to be able to assess and evaluate results of research before applying them. This review paper aims to highlight the essential concepts to the students and beginning researchers and sensitize and motivate the readers to access the vast literature available on research methodologies.
Most students and beginning researchers do not fully understand what a research proposal means, nor do they understand its importance. 1 A research proposal is a detailed description of a proposed study designed to investigate a given problem. 2
A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. Broadly the research proposal must address the following questions regardless of your research area and the methodology you choose: What you plan to accomplish, why do you want to do it and how are you going to do it. 1 The aim of this article is to highlight the essential concepts and not to provide extensive details about this topic.
The elements of a research proposal are highlighted below:
1. Title: It should be concise and descriptive. It must be informative and catchy. An effective title not only prick’s the readers interest, but also predisposes him/her favorably towards the proposal. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. 1 The title may need to be revised after completion of writing of the protocol to reflect more closely the sense of the study. 3
2. Abstract: It is a brief summary of approximately 300 words. It should include the main research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any) and the method. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments that will be used. 1 It should stand on its own, and not refer the reader to points in the project description. 3
3. Introduction: The introduction provides the readers with the background information. Its purpose is to establish a framework for the research, so that readers can understand how it relates to other research. 4 It should answer the question of why the research needs to be done and what will be its relevance. It puts the proposal in context. 3
The introduction typically begins with a statement of the research problem in precise and clear terms. 1
The importance of the statement of the research problem 5 : The statement of the problem is the essential basis for the construction of a research proposal (research objectives, hypotheses, methodology, work plan and budget etc). It is an integral part of selecting a research topic. It will guide and put into sharper focus the research design being considered for solving the problem. It allows the investigator to describe the problem systematically, to reflect on its importance, its priority in the country and region and to point out why the proposed research on the problem should be undertaken. It also facilitates peer review of the research proposal by the funding agencies.
Then it is necessary to provide the context and set the stage for the research question in such a way as to show its necessity and importance. 1 This step is necessary for the investigators to familiarize themselves with existing knowledge about the research problem and to find out whether or not others have investigated the same or similar problems. This step is accomplished by a thorough and critical review of the literature and by personal communication with experts. 5 It helps further understanding of the problem proposed for research and may lead to refining the statement of the problem, to identify the study variables and conceptualize their relationships, and in formulation and selection of a research hypothesis. 5 It ensures that you are not "re-inventing the wheel" and demonstrates your understanding of the research problem. It gives due credit to those who have laid the groundwork for your proposed research. 1 In a proposal, the literature review is generally brief and to the point. The literature selected should be pertinent and relevant. 6
Against this background, you then present the rationale of the proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing.
4. Objectives: Research objectives are the goals to be achieved by conducting the research. 5 They may be stated as ‘general’ and ‘specific’.
The general objective of the research is what is to be accomplished by the research project, for example, to determine whether or not a new vaccine should be incorporated in a public health program.
The specific objectives relate to the specific research questions the investigator wants to answer through the proposed study and may be presented as primary and secondary objectives, for example, primary: To determine the degree of protection that is attributable to the new vaccine in a study population by comparing the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. 5 Secondary: To study the cost-effectiveness of this programme.
Young investigators are advised to resist the temptation to put too many objectives or over-ambitious objectives that cannot be adequately achieved by the implementation of the protocol. 3
5. Variables: During the planning stage, it is necessary to identify the key variables of the study and their method of measurement and unit of measurement must be clearly indicated. Four types of variables are important in research 5 :
a. Independent variables: variables that are manipulated or treated in a study in order to see what effect differences in them will have on those variables proposed as being dependent on them. The different synonyms for the term ‘independent variable’ which are used in literature are: cause, input, predisposing factor, risk factor, determinant, antecedent, characteristic and attribute.
b. Dependent variables: variables in which changes are results of the level or amount of the independent variable or variables.
Synonyms: effect, outcome, consequence, result, condition, disease.
c. Confounding or intervening variables: variables that should be studied because they may influence or ‘mix’ the effect of the independent variables. For instance, in a study of the effect of measles (independent variable) on child mortality (dependent variable), the nutritional status of the child may play an intervening (confounding) role.
d. Background variables: variables that are so often of relevance in investigations of groups or populations that they should be considered for possible inclusion in the study. For example sex, age, ethnic origin, education, marital status, social status etc.
The objective of research is usually to determine the effect of changes in one or more independent variables on one or more dependent variables. For example, a study may ask "Will alcohol intake (independent variable) have an effect on development of gastric ulcer (dependent variable)?"
Certain variables may not be easy to identify. The characteristics that define these variables must be clearly identified for the purpose of the study.
6. Questions and/ or hypotheses: If you as a researcher know enough to make prediction concerning what you are studying, then the hypothesis may be formulated. A hypothesis can be defined as a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. In other words, the hypothesis translates the problem statement into a precise, unambiguous prediction of expected outcomes. Hypotheses are not meant to be haphazard guesses, but should reflect the depth of knowledge, imagination and experience of the investigator. 5 In the process of formulating the hypotheses, all variables relevant to the study must be identified. For example: "Health education involving active participation by mothers will produce more positive changes in child feeding than health education based on lectures". Here the independent variable is types of health education and the dependent variable is changes in child feeding.
A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables but phrases the relationship as a question; a hypothesis represents a declarative statement of the relations between two or more variables. 7
For exploratory or phenomenological research, you may not have any hypothesis (please do not confuse the hypothesis with the statistical null hypothesis). 1 Questions are relevant to normative or census type research (How many of them are there? Is there a relationship between them?). Deciding whether to use questions or hypotheses depends on factors such as the purpose of the study, the nature of the design and methodology, and the audience of the research (at times even the outlook and preference of the committee members, particularly the Chair). 6
7. Methodology: The method section is very important because it tells your research Committee how you plan to tackle your research problem. The guiding principle for writing the Methods section is that it should contain sufficient information for the reader to determine whether the methodology is sound. Some even argue that a good proposal should contain sufficient details for another qualified researcher to implement the study. 1 Indicate the methodological steps you will take to answer every question or to test every hypothesis illustrated in the Questions/hypotheses section. 6 It is vital that you consult a biostatistician during the planning stage of your study, 8 to resolve the methodological issues before submitting the proposal.
This section should include:
Research design: The selection of the research strategy is the core of research design and is probably the single most important decision the investigator has to make. The choice of the strategy, whether descriptive, analytical, experimental, operational or a combination of these depend on a number of considerations, 5 but this choice must be explained in relation to the study objectives. 3
Research subjects or participants: Depending on the type of your study, the following questions should be answered 3 , 5
Sample size: The proposal should provide information and justification (basis on which the sample size is calculated) about sample size in the methodology section. 3 A larger sample size than needed to test the research hypothesis increases the cost and duration of the study and will be unethical if it exposes human subjects to any potential unnecessary risk without additional benefit. A smaller sample size than needed can also be unethical as it exposes human subjects to risk with no benefit to scientific knowledge. Calculation of sample size has been made easy by computer software programmes, but the principles underlying the estimation should be well understood.
Interventions: If an intervention is introduced, a description must be given of the drugs or devices (proprietary names, manufacturer, chemical composition, dose, frequency of administration) if they are already commercially available. If they are in phases of experimentation or are already commercially available but used for other indications, information must be provided on available pre-clinical investigations in animals and/or results of studies already conducted in humans (in such cases, approval of the drug regulatory agency in the country is needed before the study). 3
Ethical issues 3 : Ethical considerations apply to all types of health research. Before the proposal is submitted to the Ethics Committee for approval, two important documents mentioned below (where appropriate) must be appended to the proposal. In additions, there is another vital issue of Conflict of Interest, wherein the researchers should furnish a statement regarding the same.
The Informed consent form (informed decision-making): A consent form, where appropriate, must be developed and attached to the proposal. It should be written in the prospective subjects’ mother tongue and in simple language which can be easily understood by the subject. The use of medical terminology should be avoided as far as possible. Special care is needed when subjects are illiterate. It should explain why the study is being done and why the subject has been asked to participate. It should describe, in sequence, what will happen in the course of the study, giving enough detail for the subject to gain a clear idea of what to expect. It should clarify whether or not the study procedures offer any benefits to the subject or to others, and explain the nature, likelihood and treatment of anticipated discomfort or adverse effects, including psychological and social risks, if any. Where relevant, a comparison with risks posed by standard drugs or treatment must be included. If the risks are unknown or a comparative risk cannot be given it should be so stated. It should indicate that the subject has the right to withdraw from the study at any time without, in any way, affecting his/her further medical care. It should assure the participant of confidentiality of the findings.
Ethics checklist: The proposal must describe the measures that will be undertaken to ensure that the proposed research is carried out in accordance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki on Ethical Principles for Medical research involving Human Subjects. 10 It must answer the following questions:
Research setting 5 : The research setting includes all the pertinent facets of the study, such as the population to be studied (sampling frame), the place and time of study.
Study instruments 3 , 5 : Instruments are the tools by which the data are collected. For validated questionnaires/interview schedules, reference to published work should be given and the instrument appended to the proposal. For new a questionnaire which is being designed specifically for your study the details about preparing, precoding and pretesting of questionnaire should be furnished and the document appended to the proposal. Descriptions of other methods of observations like medical examination, laboratory tests and screening procedures is necessary- for established procedures, reference of published work cited but for new or modified procedure, an adequate description is necessary with justification for the same.
Collection of data: A short description of the protocol of data collection. For example, in a study on blood pressure measurement: time of participant arrival, rest for 5p. 10 minutes, which apparatus (standard calibrated) to be used, in which room to take measurement, measurement in sitting or lying down position, how many measurements, measurement in which arm first (whether this is going to be randomized), details of cuff and its placement, who will take the measurement. This minimizes the possibility of confusion, delays and errors.
Data analysis: The description should include the design of the analysis form, plans for processing and coding the data and the choice of the statistical method to be applied to each data. What will be the procedures for accounting for missing, unused or spurious data?
Monitoring, supervision and quality control: Detailed statement about the all logistical issues to satisfy the requirements of Good Clinical Practices (GCP), protocol procedures, responsibilities of each member of the research team, training of study investigators, steps taken to assure quality control (laboratory procedures, equipment calibration etc)
Gantt chart: A Gantt chart is an overview of tasks/proposed activities and a time frame for the same. You put weeks, days or months at one side, and the tasks at the other. You draw fat lines to indicate the period the task will be performed to give a timeline for your research study (take help of tutorial on youtube). 11
Significance of the study: Indicate how your research will refine, revise or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. How will it benefit the concerned stakeholders? What could be the larger implications of your research study?
Dissemination of the study results: How do you propose to share the findings of your study with professional peers, practitioners, participants and the funding agency?
Budget: A proposal budget with item wise/activity wise breakdown and justification for the same. Indicate how will the study be financed.
References: The proposal should end with relevant references on the subject. For web based search include the date of access for the cited website, for example: add the sentence "accessed on June 10, 2008".
Appendixes: Include the appropriate appendixes in the proposal. For example: Interview protocols, sample of informed consent forms, cover letters sent to appropriate stakeholders, official letters for permission to conduct research. Regarding original scales or questionnaires, if the instrument is copyrighted then permission in writing to reproduce the instrument from the copyright holder or proof of purchase of the instrument must be submitted.
Writing in the field of biology is purposeful. Grant proposals are written in order to persuade others to provide funding. Papers are published in order to share findings. Biologists write reviews of colleagues' manuscripts to ensure that the research and analysis published in professional journals is valid and substantial. Most often the written work of biologists is motivated by problem definition and solution, but some writing may be devoted to argument and debate. An example of this is debate about nomenclature.
Biology is an explanatory discipline, including explaining how an experiment was conducted and how the data collected establishes or fails to establish a hypothesis. The data must be accurately described, and the reasoning needs to be scientifically sound. Persuasion enters into the writing of biologists in terms of what data they select, how they choose to describe it and, most clearly, in the sections where the biologists must convince colleagues of the importance and implications of their results.
Good evidence is repeatable, relevant to the experiment, and unique from previous experiments. Biologists employ quantitative measurements as well as qualitative observations as evidence. Different subfields may regard different kinds of evidence as legitimate. For example, ecologists may take many data points and use statistical methods to analyze the numbers, while a microbiologist may work with mutant organisms and use the phenotypes as evidence. Evidence is also important for grant proposals. Without strong data, biologists will encounter difficulty in obtaining funding or publishing in well-known journals.
Co-authorship is common in papers that present the findings of an experiment conducted by a group. Scholarly articles, on the other hand, are more commonly authored individually. Scientists must keep up to date on current research so that they can collaborate and build upon what is already known in the field.
Organization.
Typically student writing assignments follow the conventions of genres in the professional field. However, the organization of a scholarly article may differ because professional journals may have different conventions. In general, scholarly articles begin with an abstract and an introduction that describes the purpose and relevance of the experiment. Procedures and methods are provided, along with detailed results. The author finally offers conclusions from the data and future implications of the findings.
Biologists prefer shorter sentences to preserve clarity. Similarly, they prefer simple verbs such as show, make, and is. Biologists need to be particularly versatile in terms of writing to particular audiences, for their articles and proposals contain sectionsthere are written to different audiences. For example, the introduction to a grant proposal needs to be written to educated nonspecialists who may make the final funding decision. Being too technical is likely to lose this audience. However, sections on methodology and data need to be written to experts, who may otherwise doubt the credibility of the writer. More importantly, others must be able to reproduce the scholar’s experiment, and this means that readers must have a clear understanding of every aspect of the text. There is no room for ambiguity.
Biologists use different citation styles depending on the preferences of the journals in which they publish. The three styles most commonly used are:
At the undergraduate level, students write lab reports and grant proposals. Some upper-level classes may ask students to write a research proposal. Graduate students are more heavily involved in writing research articles, which outline experiments and prove or disprove hypotheses.
Biology professors encourage students to take classes that require writing. They encourage graduate students to take writing classes as well as have regular writing conferences with their professors.
While biologists predominantly write research articles, they also write textbook chapters, review articles, and research grants. Biologists, and scientists in general, are compelled to write for a wide range of readers because their grants and papers generally need to convince people from many subfields.
The following link has a list of Penn professors, sorted by subdiscipline, with links to examples of their writing.
Last updated 20/06/24: Online ordering is currently unavailable due to technical issues. We apologise for any delays responding to customers while we resolve this. For further updates please visit our website: https://www.cambridge.org/news-and-insights/technical-incident
We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings .
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 September 2010
Save book to kindle.
To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle .
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service .
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox .
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive .
Senior Honors Thesis Research Proposal
Albert B. Ulrich III Thesis Advisor: Dr. Wayne Leibel 11 September 1998
Neotropical fish of the family Cichlidae are a widespread and diverse group of freshwater fish which, through adaptive radiation, have exploited various niches in freshwater ecosystems. One such evolutionary adaptation employed by numerous taxa is miniaturization, an evolutionary process in which a large ancestral form becomes reduced in size to exploit alternative niches. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on the effects of miniaturization on amphibians (Hanken 1983), but although miniaturization has been found to occur in 85 species of freshwater South American fish, little has been done to investigate the effects which miniaturization imposes on the anatomy of the fish (Hanken and Wake 1993).
Evolution is the process by which species adapt to environmental stresses over time. Nature imposes various selective pressures on ecosystems causing adaptive radiation, where species expand and fill new niches. One such adaptation for a new niche is miniaturization. Miniaturization can be defined as “the evolution of extremely small adult body size within a lineage” (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization is observed in a variety of taxa, and evolutionary size decreases are observed in mammals and higher vertebrates, but it is more common and more pronounced in reptiles, amphibians and fish (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization evolved as a specialization which allowed the organisms to avoid selective pressures and occupy a new niche. Miniaturization as a concept is dependent on the phylogenetic assumption that the organism evolved from a larger predecessor. Over time, the miniature organism had to adapt to the new conditions as a tiny species. All of the same basic needs had to be met, but with a smaller body.
In miniature species there is a critical relationship between structure of the body and body size, and frequently this downsizing results in structural and functional changes within the animal (Harrison 1996). Within the concept of miniaturization is the assumption that the species evolved from a larger progenitor. It is necessary then to explore the effects of the miniaturization process. “Miniaturization involves not only small body size per se, but also the consequent and often dramatic effects of extreme size reduction on anatomy, physiology, ecology, life history, and behavior” (Hanken and Wake 1993).
Hanken and Wake 1993 found that the adult skulls of the salamander Thorius were lacking several bones, others were highly underdeveloped, and many species within the genus were toothless. Several invertebrate species display the wholesale loss of major organs systems as a result of the drastic reduction in body size (Hanken and Wake 1993). Hanken and Wake also have shown that morphological novelty is a common result of miniaturization. Morphological novelty, in essence, is the development of new structures in the miniature organism. For example, as body size decreases, certain vital organs will only be able to be reduced by a certain amount and still function. As a result organs such as the inner ear remain large relative to the size of the miniature skull, and structural innovations have to occur in order to support the proportionately large inner ear.
In 1983, James Hanken, at the University of Colorado determined that the adult skull of the Plethodontid salamanders could be characterized by three observations: 1) there was a limited development or even an absence of several ossified elements such as dentition and other bones; 2) there was interspecific and intraspecific variability; 3) there were novel mophological configurations of the braincase and jaw (Hanken 1983).
In his experiments, Hanken found that cranial miniaturization of the Thorius skull was achieved at the expense of ossification. Much of the ossified skeleton was lost or reduced, especially in the anterior elements, which are seen typically in larger adult salamanders (Hanken 1983). In contrast to this ossified downsizing, many of the sensory organs were not diminished in size — therefore present in greater proportion to the rest of the reduced head. He also reported that due to the geometrical space availability, there is a competition for space in reduced sized skulls, and the “predominant brain, otic capsules, and eyes have imposed structural rearrangements on much of the skull that remains” (Hanken 1983).
Hanken proposed that paedomorphosis was the mode of evolution of the plethodontid salamanders (Hanken 1983). Paedomorphosis is the state where the miniaturized structures of the adult salamanders can be described as arrested juvenile states. To support this theory, Hanken showed data where cranial skeletal reduction was less extreme in the posterior regions of the skull. One of the hallmarks of paedamorphosis is the lack of conservation in structures derived late in development. Early developed structures are highly conserved, and the latter derivations become either lost, or greatly reduced. Again, Hanken has shown that elements appearing late in development exhibit greater variation among species than do elements appearing earlier in ontogeny (Hanken 1983). But the presence of novel morphological features cannot be accounted for merely by truncated development and the retention of juvenile traits. Miniature Plethodontid salamanders display features that are not present in other species, juvenile or adult. These novel morphological features are associated with the evolution of decreased size and are postulated to compensate for the reductions occurring in other areas (Hanken 1983).
In 1985, Trueb and Alberch published a paper presenting similar results in their experiments with frogs. They explored the “relationships between body sizes of anurans and their cranial configurations with respect to the degree of ossification of the skull and two ontogenetic variables‹shape and number of differentiation events” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Trueb and Alberch examined three morphological variables: size, sequence of differentiation events, and shape changes in individual structures. Size and snout length were measured, and the data showed that the more heavily ossified frogs tended to be smaller, whereas the less-ossified species were of average size, contrary to what was hypothesized. But Trueb and Alberch also attributed the diminution in size to paedomorphosis, citing that the smaller frogs lacked one or more of the elements typically associated with anuran skulls‹these missing elements were typically late in the developmental sequence. It is significant to note, however, that although there was an apparent paedomorphic trend, it could not be “applied unequivocally to all anuans” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Very little research has been done on the effects of miniaturization on fish. In 1993, Buckup published a paper discussing the phylogeny of newly found minature species of Characidiin fish, but the extent of the examination was merely an acknowledgment that the species were indeed miniatures so that they could be taxonomically reclassified ( Buckup 1993). It is this deficit of knowledge with regard to miniaturization in fish that prompts this research.
How does miniaturization affect other vertebrates, such as fish? There are over 85 species of freshwater South American fish which are regarded as miniature, spanning 5 orders, 11 families and 40 genera (Hanken and Wake 1993). One such species, Apistogramma cacatuoides, is a South American Cichlid native to Peru. It lives in shallow water bodies in the rainforests, where miniature size is necessary. Males in this species reach approximately 8cm, and females only 5cm. This makes A. cacatuoides an ideal specimen for examination. In this senior honors thesis, I intend to examine the effects of miniaturization on cranial morphology of A. cacatuoides.
In this thesis, I will compare the cranial anatomy of A. cacatuoides to that of “Cichlasoma” (Archocentrus) nigrofasciatum, a commonly bred fish reared by aquarists known as the Convict Cichlid, a “typical” medium-sized cichlid also of South American origin. The Convicts will be examined at various stages in development, from juvenile to adult, and will be compared to A.cacatuoides.
The first part of this project will involve whole mount preparation of A. cacatuoides, utilizing the staining and clearing procedures described by Taylor and Van Dyke, 1985. This procedure involves the use of Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue to stain bone and cartilage, and takes into account the adaptations and recommendations Proposed in an earlier paper (Hanken and Wassersug 1981). The Taylor and Van Dyke procedure is specifically for the staining and clearing of small fish and other vertebrates. I tested the procedure during last semester¹s Independent Study and made a few minor adjustments to the protocol.
First, the specimens will be placed serially into an absolute ethyl alcohol solution and stained with Alcian Blue. The fish will then be neutralized in a saturated borax solution, transferred to a 20% hydrogen peroxide solution in potassium hydroxide, and then bleached under a fluorescent light. The unwanted soft tissues will then be cleared using trypsin powder, and then stained in KOH again with alizarin red. The final preparation of the fish involves rinsing the fish, and placing them serially into 40%, 70%, and finally 100% glycerin.
Following the above preparation of the specimens, the crania of the A. cacatuoides specimens will be examined for morphological variation and compared to the cranial anatomy of the Convict cichlid as a progenitor reference point examined at various developmental stages to see if paedomorphosis in indeed the mechanism of miniaturization in A. cacatuoides.
The project is estimated to cost no more that five hundred dollars for chemicals and supplies for the entire year.
Hanken, J., 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morphology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia: Plethodontidae). I. Osteological Variation”. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (London) 23: 55-75.
Hanken, James, 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morhology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia, Plethodintidae): II.The Fate of the Brain and Sense Organs and Their Role in Skull Morphogenesis and Evolution . Journal of Morphology 177: 255-268.
Hanken, James and David Wake, 1993. Miniaturization of Body Size: Origanismal Consequences and Evolutionary Significance. Annual Review of Ecological Systems 24: 501-19.
Harrison, I. J., 1996. Interface Areas in Small Fish. Zoological Symposium No. 69. The Zoological Society of London: London.
Miller, P. J., 1996. Miniature Vertebrates: The Implications of Small Body Size. Symposium of the Zoological Society of London. No. 69: 15-45.
Taylor, William R. and George Van Dyke, 1985. Revised Procedures for Staining and Clearing Small Fishes and Other Vertebrates for Small Bone and Cartilage Study. Cybium. 9(2): 107-119.
Trueb, L. and P. Alberch, 1985. Miniaturization and the Anuran Skull: a Case Study of Heterochrony. Fortschritte der Zoologie. Bund 30.
Williams, T. Walley, 1941 Bone and Cartilage. Stain. Tech. 16:23-25.
: Research Proposal |
Published by Robert Bruce at August 29th, 2023 , Revised On September 5, 2023
Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.
Table of Contents
Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.
Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements.
Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.
Also read: Cancer research topics
Also read: Education research topics
Also read: Nursing research topics
These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.
What are some good research topics in biology?
A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.
A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution.
How to choose a research topic in biology?
Choosing a research topic in biology is simple.
Follow the steps:
For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.
Looking for interesting and manageable research topics in education? Your search ends right here because this blog post provides 50 […]
Find out if you need permission to publish your dissertation in canada. Understand copyright, university rules, and third-party content.
Academic integrity: a commitment to honesty and ethical conduct in learning. Upholding originality and proper citation are its cornerstones.
Ready to place an order?
Learning resources, company details.
Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance
Newly Launched - World's Most Advanced AI Powered Platform to Generate Stunning Presentations that are Editable in PowerPoint
Researched by Consultants from Top-Tier Management Companies
Powerpoint Templates
Icon Bundle
Kpi Dashboard
Professional
Business Plans
Swot Analysis
Gantt Chart
Business Proposal
Marketing Plan
Project Management
Business Case
Business Model
Cyber Security
Business PPT
Digital Marketing
Digital Transformation
Human Resources
Product Management
Artificial Intelligence
Company Profile
Acknowledgement PPT
PPT Presentation
Reports Brochures
One Page Pitch
Interview PPT
All Categories
“Cancer cure is finally here! Doctors found the miracle drug! Cancer in all patients vanishes,” these have been some screaming headlines in newspapers in 2022. Even as the discovery of the cure (with many qualifiers as of now) is a miraculous achievement, it took real hard work.
At the centre of any sublime achievement in health sciences is a team of world-class researchers and doctors, who worked hard to draft a biology research proposal idea that got the nod of funding agencies. In the specific example cited above, Dostarlimab, was the drug that was researched.
What we illustrate through this study is the necessity and essentiality of crafting a research proposal that meets its goals and outperforms competition.
Explore this guide to write an impeccable research proposal to ensure you always write a winning proposition, and turn ideas into reality.
In this blog, we study the nuts and bolts of a well-structured presentation. The thing to ensure is that the research proposal covers all bases and leaves nothing to chance.
If you want to project new developments and innovation that your research will bring to life, perk up your presentations with SlideTeam’s well-designed PPT Templates. Whether it is about showcasing different experiments or drug testing, incorporate our ready-made PPT Templates to gain that extra edge and purpose.
Persuade reviewers to support your findings using our actionable PowerPoint diagrams.
Writing a thorough dissertation proposal is a stepping stone to excelling in your academic projects. Read this blog and learn more on structuring your thesis.
Browse this collection of PowerPoint slides to make a substantial positive impact on how your research proposal is seen.
Let's begin!
This is a 29-slide research proposal PPT diagram to help you put forth your ideas and discoveries in the field of biology. Use these well-crafted PowerPoint Templates to give your audience an overview of the project. You can also showcase steps of your research process, requirements, and other capabilities for completing the study. This ready-made PowerPoint Deck also comprises a slide on Budgeting to help you convince your reviewers to sanction that grant. Download this PPT Template now!
Download this template
As the adage goes, First Impression is the Last Impression . Ensure that you leave a long-lasting impression on your audience with the showcasing of your new research using this engaging PPT Template. Deploy a predesigned and easy-to-use PowerPoint Layout to pitch your client your project idea. Get a head-start from your reviewer and dig deeper into your research with this template as the reference. Download now!
Grab this slide
Want to showcase the aim and goal of your research project? Get this content-ready PPT Template to pen down the vision and mission of your biology research proposal project. Present your future goals and expectations from this study with this fully editable PowerPoint Slide and help your audience comprehend your mission for this project. This PPT diagram can easily be downloaded. Just click the link below and use it as per requirements.
Grab this template
What you plan to achieve by the end of the project is what matters the most to the reviewers. Thus, ensure that you highlight the project objectives, which include timelines, budget, etc., with this content-ready PowerPoint Template. Leave no scope for error and uncertainties in your proposal. Get your audience on board with you on your research idea using this customizable PPT slide. Download now!
Here is another ready-to-use PowerPoint Template that helps you with the framework of how to contextualize your project. Walk your audience through the strategies you plan to execute to create practical solutions to the problems. Incorporate this fully editable PPT diagram and highlight the best possible treatment, medicines, vaccinations, etc., to combat disease. Use this custom-made PowerPoint Slide and present your detailed study with confidence. Grab this slide now!
This ready-made PowerPoint Diagram is well designed to help you demonstrate actionable methods that fight diseases. Be methodical and explain each process using this PPT design. Convince reviewers and ensure to get funded for your research with this customizable PowerPoint Graphic. Download now!
Deploy this preset as a communication tool to draw a painting review of your action plan. Define major tasks and goals and lay out your strategies to achieve those targets. This roadmap PPT Template helps showcase major steps and milestones in your journey. Use this ready-made PowerPoint Graphic as a guide to keep everyone in your team informed on the project status. Download now!
Wish to complete your project on time? Grab this actionable PowerPoint Template and set dates and times for each task. This PPT Template also allows you to keep track of business activities and ensure your project’s timely completion . It is a customizable PowerPoint Diagram to help you change time and date as per requirements. Grab this useful PowerPoint Layout now!
Struggling to create a budget for your research proposal idea? How about using this illustration to outline a detailed expected project cost? This PPT Template helps you list all activities and the estimated cost of each. Justify your budget and get approval from your stakeholders using this customized PPT Diagram. Download now!
Want to seal the deal with researchers for your next biology project? Use this content-ready PowerPoint Template and state the next steps for your study in a professional manner. This PPT Diagram also allows you to include some content. Use this template to convince your reviewers that you are a step ahead of all possible negative scenarios. Download now!
Contact us biology research ppt side.
It is impolite not to leave your contact number for your researchers or stakeholders. Thus, ensure you provide a point of contact so that your clients reach out to you without any inconvenience. Deploy this neat, clutter-free PPT Slide to add your address, phone number, and email id. It is a custom-made slide. You can use it as per requirement. Download now!
Justifying and presenting practical ways to study a research problem is a task. Thus, ease the burden and incorporate SlideTeam's ready-made research proposal presentation PPT Templates to showcase your analysis and in-depth research on a subject. These handy PowerPoint Diagrams can be customized with a single click. Download these ready-made and premium PowerPoint Slides from our monthly, semi-annual, annual, annual + custom design subscriptions here .
PS: Wish to present your scholarly literature review in a concise and easy manner? Explore this exclusive guide replete with literature review templates to make sure you reach the public as well, with your authoritative point of view.
How to write a research proposal in biology.
Every research proposal is unique and aims to tackle a specific problem statement or hypothesis. It should focus on potentially valuable outcomes, fill in the gaps, and lead to progress of Scientific Knowledge in general. In biology, of course, there is still endless ground to cover in terms of our ability to tackle diseases; the Covid-19 pandemic brought out all our inadequacies to the fore as well.
As the starting point for any effort to improve things, writing an effective research proposal in biology is the key skill to inculcate for hard-core researchers and the academia. Given below are the five key steps we need to master before we put pen to paper for a biology research paper that rocks.
Biological scientists conduct research to gain better understanding of life processes and apply that understanding to developing new products and processes. Here, the aim is to know better and deeper, and work to develop novel solutions to diseases. Remember, disease prevention is even more important than developing cures.
A focused and extensive thesis proposal should not be longer than 12 pages of text. Figures and data can be presented on additional pages, if these are critical to the persuasive pitch. Please remember it is purpose of the research proposal, its organization of information and the real-life connect it has that gets it the money. Length of the proposal is required, but a part of the format that every other researcher will have to comply to. You shine when your problem statement and hypothesis are the most relevant.
A good research proposal must:
In short, explaining your approach in a relevant manner is the key differentiator that mark out the successful projects as a class apart. Your sincerity of purpose and attention to detail also has to be evident when it is show-time for presentations.
Download the free Biology Research Proposal .
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS. A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Status: archived, archived funding opportunity, important information for proposers.
All proposals must be submitted in accordance with the requirements specified in this funding opportunity and in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) that is in effect for the relevant due date to which the proposal is being submitted. It is the responsibility of the proposer to ensure that the proposal meets these requirements. Submitting a proposal prior to a specified deadline does not negate this requirement.
Supports field, laboratory and computational research on human and nonhuman primate adaptation, variation and evolution to advance knowledge about human origins and the dynamics between biology and culture.
The Biological Anthropology Program supports basic research in areas related to human evolution and contemporary human biological variation. Research areas supported by the program include, but are not limited to, human genetic variation, human and nonhuman primate ecology and adaptability, human osteology and bone biology, human and nonhuman primate paleontology, functional anatomy, and primate socioecology. Grants supported in these areas are united by an underlying evolutionary framework, and often by a consideration of adaptation as a central theoretical theme. Proposals may also have a biocultural or bioarchaeological orientation. The program frequently serves as a bridge within NSF between the social and behavioral sciences and the natural and physical sciences, and proposals commonly are jointly reviewed and funded with other programs.
For more information about Multidisciplinary Research and Training Opportunities, please visit the SBE Office of Multidisciplinary Activities web site .
For additional, specific information on the Biological Anthropology Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants (DDRIGs) solicitation, please visit the Biological Anthropology DDRIG program web site .
(703) 292-7850 | SBE/SES | ||
Program Director | (703)-292-7758 | ||
Program Specialist | (703) 292-4636 | SBE/BCS |
Related programs.
Advertisement
Supported by
Guest Essay
By Thomas Cech
Dr. Cech is a biochemist and the author of the forthcoming book “The Catalyst: RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life’s Deepest Secrets,” from which this essay is adapted.
From E=mc² to splitting the atom to the invention of the transistor, the first half of the 20th century was dominated by breakthroughs in physics.
Then, in the early 1950s, biology began to nudge physics out of the scientific spotlight — and when I say “biology,” what I really mean is DNA. The momentous discovery of the DNA double helix in 1953 more or less ushered in a new era in science that culminated in the Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, which decoded all of our DNA into a biological blueprint of humankind.
DNA has received an immense amount of attention. And while the double helix was certainly groundbreaking in its time, the current generation of scientific history will be defined by a different (and, until recently, lesser-known) molecule — one that I believe will play an even bigger role in furthering our understanding of human life: RNA.
You may remember learning about RNA (ribonucleic acid) back in your high school biology class as the messenger that carries information stored in DNA to instruct the formation of proteins. Such messenger RNA, mRNA for short, recently entered the mainstream conversation thanks to the role they played in the Covid-19 vaccines. But RNA is much more than a messenger, as critical as that function may be.
Other types of RNA, called “noncoding” RNAs, are a tiny biological powerhouse that can help to treat and cure deadly diseases, unlock the potential of the human genome and solve one of the most enduring mysteries of science: explaining the origins of all life on our planet.
Though it is a linchpin of every living thing on Earth, RNA was misunderstood and underappreciated for decades — often dismissed as nothing more than a biochemical backup singer, slaving away in obscurity in the shadows of the diva, DNA. I know that firsthand: I was slaving away in obscurity on its behalf.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in .
Want all of The Times? Subscribe .
Perspective taking (PT) is the ability to imagine viewpoints different from our own. However, the nature of PT as a construct, and its underlying cognitive mechanisms, are not well established. Some researchers propose that understanding what others believe (cognitive PT), feel (affective PT), and see (spatial PT) form a single behavioral dimension, relying on the orienting of attention between competing frame-of-reference representations. Others propose that PT mechanisms are dissociable, although there are three different proposals about such dissociations. The present study examined behavioral associations among measures of spatial, cognitive, and affective PT and attentional control in neurotypical young adults. There was a lack of convergent validity for measures of cognitive and affective PT, pointing to the need for more psychometric work on these dimensions. Much better convergence was found for spatial PT measures. There was little to no behavioral association between spatial PT and either social forms of PT (cognitive or affective) or attentional control measures. This pattern suggests support for a dissociated model in which spatial PT is a distinct cognitive construct.
The authors have declared no competing interest.
View the discussion thread.
Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about bioRxiv.
NOTE: Your email address is requested solely to identify you as the sender of this article.
The Stanford Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA) is accepting proposals to address unmet therapeutic needs through human subjects research. Through this solicitation, the IMA seeks to support human subjects research that is ripe for translation by fostering the clinical development of new or extending the use of existing drugs, vaccines, and companion biomarkers that directly enable drug development. This could be a proof of concept trial for a new medication, a new indication for an existing proprietary or generic drug, or a companion biomarker. We prioritize projects that will generate data to take projects towards external funding for product development. Investigators should be motivated to engage in the clinical and product development process with the IMA. Successful IMA projects have led to the formation of new companies, license agreements with biotech or pharma companies, sponsored research agreements, and grant funding for clinical follow-on studies. Please see the pipeline for currently supported projects.
Of particular interest are projects that seek to:
Selection Process & Timeline:
Proposals will be reviewed by evaluators knowledgeable in translational medicine and evaluated according to the following criteria:
PIs whose project ideas are selected will be invited to submit full protocols including detailed budgets, which will be developed collaboratively with the Experimental Human Biology team. Final funding decisions are contingent upon a full protocol review, including an evaluation of the feasibility of all regulatory and contractual aspects of the proposed research. Projects that achieve pre-defined milestones may be eligible for additional follow-on funding to continue supporting the clinical trial.
Letters of Intent are due July 31, 2024.
All Stanford faculty with PI eligibility, including faculty in the Clinical Educator line, are welcome to apply.
Submit a letter of intent as a PDF (Arial, 11 point font, 0.5 inch margins, limit 4 pages) containing:
Letters of Intent should be submitted directly to the Sarafan ChEM-H SlideRoom portal: https://chemh.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/78751 Applicants do not need to submit the LOI to the Research Management Group (RMG) or Office of Sponsored Research (OSR).
The IMA seeks to translate promising academic science to a clinical setting. The IMA provides drug and clinical development expertise, financial support, and in-kind resources. We have supported projects in the range of $100K to $1M. For substantial resource needs, the IMA works with the PI to identify scaling partners to defray costs and support continued clinical development. Funds and in-kind resources will be released at key go/no-go milestones, e.g. FDA/IRB/SRC approval, interim enrollment goal, and full study enrollment. Please note that the IMA cannot support faculty/PI effort.
In-kind IMA staff support may include:
Please indicate the type of support needed in the budget justification. Specific roles and responsibilities of personnel support and financial allocations will be described in award letters issued to selected projects. The specific level of support will vary by project need. Projects that achieve pre-defined milestones may be eligible for additional follow-on funding.
© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .
COMMENTS
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology 210-2, Genetics/Evolution 210-1, Cell Biology/Physiology 210-3, Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (taken in England), Cell Regulation and Cancer (England), as well as the General Chemistry 101-103 sequence and the Organic Chemistry 210 sequence. These classes have familiarized me with the
Biology honors theses: advice & samples; Science-proposals-grants. Sample student biology research proposal (P. Pazos & P. Hirsch 2008) Grant / proposal writing; What committees look for in evaluating a proposal; Useful web links: citation and style advice from journals, etc. Style-advice-science-writing; Science writing assignments & grading ...
How to Write a Research Proposal in Biology: Everything You Might Need. The structure of a research proposal, the overall length, the number, titles and optimal word count of each section, formatting conventions and other characteristics differ wildly depending on all kinds of factors: from the discipline you study to the regulations accepted ...
Proposing research ideas is a key element of working in the biodiversity science field. Thus this first workshop will be focused on sharing and expanding upon initial ideas for a research proposal. It will take a lab meeting format with a round table discussion where each student has the opportunity to share their research proposal ideas.
This is where you will want to work with your mentor to craft the experimental portion of your proposal. Propose two original specific aims to test your hypothesis. Don't propose more than two aims-you will NOT have enough time to do more. In the example presented, Specific Aim 1 might be "To determine the oncogenic potential of Brca1 null ...
Abstract: This is a brief (300-500 words) summary that includes the research question, your rationale for the study, and any applicable hypothesis. You should also include a brief description of your methodology, including procedures, samples, instruments, etc. Introduction: The opening paragraph of your research proposal is, perhaps, the most ...
Guidelines. You've been given specific guidelines, follow them to the letter. All sections in your proposal (except the title) should be identified with corresponding headings that stand out from the rest of the text (bold): Specific Aims Background & Significance Research Design & Methods References.
your proposal will be more targeted and effective. - Pei, PhD in the Business School Talking through ideas with my potential supervisor and delving into the literature was super helpful for me to get some good starting points for my draft research proposal. - Nitara, PhD in the School of Biological Sciences " " " "
Guidance for postgraduate applicants on writing a research proposal. Applicants should consult their prospective supervisor for advice both before writing, and for at least one round of feedback on their proposal. The topic that you propose to research: This should consist of a clear outline of the research you wish to do.
A Successful NSF Grant Proposal Structure There are many ways to write an excellent biology research proposal. However, variants of this structure were very successful in a recent NSF panel. This highly repetitive approach ensures that your reviewers understand what you are proposing to do and, just as importantly, why you are doing it. The ...
Guide for the Research Proposal. In this folder you will find the writing guide for your research proposal and a summary of the writing guide. The guide gives an overview of the writing process as well as instructions on how your proposal should be structured. It is advisable to read at least the entirety of part 1 (the overview), the headings ...
research in the fall semester, the deadline for the proposal submission (to your advisor) is July 15. For those who plan to start in the spring semester, the proposal deadline is December 1. During the proposal stage, students should discuss their research interests with CM faculty members, identify a research topic, conduct
Research Proposal; Dhivyaa Anandan: Identifying mechanisms of tumor dormancy in the bone marrow: Patrick Bray: Stress effects of restricgted feeding in mice: Ivy Chen: The effect of domestication on cultural transmission of birdsong : Dara Craig: Camera trapping in Ecology : Jacob Edwards: Studies on GPBP within the extracellular matrix: Elise ...
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
A research proposal serves as a road-map for a project, outlining the objectives, methodology, resources, and expected outcomes. ... Dr. Emma Johnson, a renowned expert in gut microbiota research and Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of PeerRecognized, will lead the project. Dr. Johnson has published extensively in high-impact ...
It puts the proposal in context. 3. The introduction typically begins with a statement of the research problem in precise and clear terms. 1. The importance of the statement of the research problem 5: The statement of the problem is the essential basis for the construction of a research proposal (research objectives, hypotheses, methodology ...
Writing in the field of biology is purposeful. Grant proposals are written in order to persuade others to provide funding. Papers are published in order to share findings. ... Some upper-level classes may ask students to write a research proposal. Graduate students are more heavily involved in writing research articles, which outline ...
A Guide for Graduate Students and Researchers in the Behavioral Sciences and Biology. Buy print or eBook [Opens in a new window] Book contents. Frontmatter. Contents. Preface. 1. How to plan research. 2. ... How to write a research proposal; Jack P. Hailman, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Karen B. Strier, University of Wisconsin, Madison;
institution you are applying to. However, if you are not given any guidelines on how to format your research proposal, you could adopt the suggested structure below. This is also relevant if you are applying for external funding or asking your employer to sponsor you to undertake a research degree. Suggested structure for a research proposal:
Senior Honors Thesis Research Proposal. Albert B. Ulrich III Thesis Advisor: Dr. Wayne Leibel 11 September 1998. Introduction: Neotropical fish of the family Cichlidae are a widespread and diverse group of freshwater fish which, through adaptive radiation, have exploited various niches in freshwater ecosystems.
Introduction. The cycles of the major elements on earth, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, etc. are controlled by interaction between the biosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere. The pathways or mechanisms that drive these processes, while ultimately thermodynamically favored, are often carried out and exploited by the microbiota.
Description: Summary of an experiment from a research article (including examples) The summary is like a mini research proposal. The goals and format are the same. Description: How to critique the work of others. You'll be critiquing the summaries of your colleagues.
Biology Research Proposal Topics. Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression. Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity. Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder. Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents. Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.
Template 1: Biology Research Proposal PowerPoint Template. This is a 29-slide research proposal PPT diagram to help you put forth your ideas and discoveries in the field of biology. Use these well-crafted PowerPoint Templates to give your audience an overview of the project. You can also showcase steps of your research process, requirements ...
The Biological Anthropology Program supports basic research in areas related to human evolution and contemporary human biological variation. Research areas supported by the program include, but are not limited to, human genetic variation, human and nonhuman primate ecology and adaptability, human osteology and bone biology, human and nonhuman primate paleontology, functional anatomy, and ...
Dr. Cech is a biochemist and the author of the forthcoming book "The Catalyst: RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life's Deepest Secrets," from which this essay is adapted. From E=mc² to splitting ...
Perspective taking (PT) is the ability to imagine viewpoints different from our own. However, the nature of PT as a construct, and its underlying cognitive mechanisms, are not well established. Some researchers propose that understanding what others believe (cognitive PT), feel (affective PT), and see (spatial PT) form a single behavioral dimension, relying on the orienting of attention ...
The Stanford Innovative Medicines Accelerator (IMA) is accepting proposals to address unmet therapeutic needs through human subjects research. Through this solicitation, the IMA seeks to support human subjects research that is ripe for translation by fostering the clinical development of new or extending the use of existing drugs, vaccines, and ...