Page 8 - Dare to Make an Impact

Search
Perform an extensive literature search. Common sources are PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, etc., but choose the venue appropriate for your discipline. Seek help from your university librarians – they are a great resource. Keep in mind that even if you don’t find any publications related to your idea, that doesn’t mean it’s not currently being investigated. For example, if you’re a clinical researcher, certain clinical studies that are still in process must be listed on ClinicalTrials.gov; this gives you a glimpse into how much or little is being studied in your
area of consideration.
Align
Another important consideration is to determine if your area of interest is responsive to, and aligned with, a sponsor’s mission. To do so, carefully look for a mission statement and funding priorities to ensure your idea is a good fit.
Here are some suggestions:
• NIH: Review for list of institute-specific strategic plans.
• NSF: Look at their “Big Ideas” page or explore their
directorates’ overviews.
• National Endowment for the Humanitites (NEH): Review their strategic plan for specific objectives and strategies to guide your proposal.
• Health Resources
and Services Administration:
Explore their top five goals and program overviews.
• Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs:
Click through their currently-funded research programs.
Find the Intersection
Your niche lives at the intersection – intersection of
1. your interests
2. the gaps in the literature 3. a sponsor’s priorities
* Don’t forget: Never pursue a niche that you’re not passionate about.
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