BDI
Research Proposal Guidelines

The preparation of a well-written proposal is an indispensable aid to thinking about your research project.  Mastering key background literature, formulating a testable hypothesis and developing a sound experimental plan are essential exercises practiced by all successful scientists.

The goals of this project are to provide an opportunity to share your critical thinking about  research and to gain experience in writing a research proposal that convinces the reader of the importance and timeliness of your research.  As you know, laboratory research is a costly enterprise that requires funding.  Your challenge as the writer of a research proposal is to construct a compelling argument that your experimental project is worthy of support.

This may be written based on a presentation we have had, your own research, or two papers (one review, one scientific paper).  If you choose the latter, please send the papers to me for review.

Essential Elements of a research proposal

• Title – Keep it short
• Background and Significance - A brief summary of the pertinent background that establishes the significance of the proposed project. The published literature that is the source of the background information must be cited.
• Preliminary data, concluding with clear statement of the question or hypothesis you propose to address. This is based on the papers you have chosen as your foundation for your specific aims.
• Specific Aims – This is a short overview of what you aim to accomplish. Have 3 specific aims. They should start with something like "To characterize, To determine, etc."

Writing hint

• First, develop a detailed outline of the proposal.
• Then, write a complete first draft using your outline as a guide.  Do not edit as you write the first draft.
• Finally, edit your draft for organization and clarity of writing.

A handy thing to remember is the following quote:
“If you try and write and edit at the same time, you will do neither well.”
                                                                                    Charles H. Sides

Biology: Discovery and Innovation Research Project Proposal
2008

Name______________________

• Title

• Question or Hypothesis

• Specific Aims (3 at most)

• Background and Significance

• Experimental Plan

• Literature Cited