https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AM_1293Course objectives Knowledge goals: Designing an effective research question · Learning techniques for developing clear, innovative, impactful, and researchable questions. · Learning how to demonstrate the potential for significant scientific, societal, and/or economic impact within your research question or topic. · Understanding which types of research questions are likely to be funded and the reasons behind their selection. · Exploring case studies of successfully funded research questions. Understanding the main principles of successful scientific project proposals · Gaining a thorough understanding of the essential elements that make up a scientific research proposal. · Learning how to design projects that push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, while ensuring that the projects remain practically feasible. · Learning to articulate the potential impact and relevance of the research, while explaining how the project can contribute to the field scientifically, socially, and/or economically. Understanding the basics of scientific project management · Understanding basic project management concepts and frameworks applicable to scientific research. · Learning how to develop project plans that include clear objectives, milestones, and deliverables aligned with scientific goals. · Learning about identifying potential risks in research projects and strategies for mitigating these risks. · Learning techniques for monitoring project progress against the work plan, and making adjustments as necessary to stay on track. · Mastering the steps involved in closing projects efficiently, including finalizing documentation, disseminating research findings, and conducting post-project evaluations. Understanding the differences between scientific projects in academia and industry · Learning about the foundational differences in objectives, culture, and operational frameworks between academic and industrial scientific settings. · Understanding how the goals of scientific projects differ in academia and industry, focusing on basic versus applied research, and how these impact project design and expectations. · Analyzing how expectations for project outcomes and deliverables differ, particularly in terms of publication, patenting, and commercialization. · Comparing the level of innovation and risk tolerance in academic research versus industry projects, including how failure is perceived and managed. · Learning about the nature of team collaborations in both settings, including interdisciplinary teamwork in academia and cross-functional teams in industry. Skill-based goals:Formulating comprehensive research questions that encompass the essential elements of a well-structured and fundable research proposal. These elements include innovativeness, feasibility, relevance to existing and future research, and the potential for societal impact.Writing a research proposal. They will write a mock research proposal that mirrors the structure and components typical of proposals submitted for NWO or European grants.Writing a basic project management plan that should supplement their research proposal. Pitching a research project and answering scientific and project feasibility questions. Learning team-working skills through group assignments, and applying project management techniqueslearned in this course to collaborate effectively. Attitudinal goals:Learning to shift from a student’s perspective to that of a young professional engaged in scientific projects. This transformation will be facilitated through an exploration of key concepts such as project ownership, project management, the long-term objectives of the project, and its feasibility. Professional and career goals:Learning to balance innovativeness with feasibility by adopting a broader perspective on scientific projects, and acquiring project management techniques tailored for life science research. This preparation will better equip students for their initial professional roles in either academia or industry.Course content, a brief overview The course will cover a broad range of skills and knowledge that young professionals need to possess to successfully run and be engaged in research projects. It will guide students through the process of formulating impactful research questions that align with funding priorities, crafting detailed proposals, and balancing innovation with feasibility in project design. Additionally, the course will cover the unique aspects of conducting research in both academic and industry settings, ensuring students understand how to navigate the distinct dynamics of each environment throughout the research project's lifecycle. Moreover, the course seeks to shift students' perspectives, encouraging them to think and act as young professionals and prepare them for successful careers in diverse research environments.The course activities consist of:series of lecturesin-class activitiessmall groups and in class discussionsgroup assignments (writing research proposal, project management plan) and presentation.The final grade will consist of the following components: · Formulating of the comprehensive research question – 10% · Research proposal – 50% · Project management plan – 20% · Final presentation – 20% Each component must be submitted before the deadline specified on CANVAS.Course material will be provided on CANVAS.The course is mandatory for the 2nd year Biomolecular MSc students and is most suited for students who finalized their 1st internship and therefore already have some experience and insights about how scientific research projects are organized.