What emerging trends in research funding and invention should you know about?

1 Crowdfunding and crowdsourcing

One of the most popular and accessible ways to fund and support research projects is through crowdfunding and crowdsourcing platforms. These platforms allow you to raise money from the public, solicit feedback and input from the community, and collaborate with other researchers and stakeholders. Crowdfunding and crowdsourcing can help you overcome the limitations of traditional funding sources, such as grants and contracts, and enable you to pursue novel and risky ideas, engage with diverse audiences, and increase the visibility and impact of your research.

2 Open science and data sharing

Another trend that is reshaping the research landscape is the movement towards open science and data sharing. Open science is the practice of making research outputs, such as publications, data, code, and methods, freely available and accessible to anyone. Data sharing is the process of making research data available for reuse and verification by other researchers. Open science and data sharing can enhance the quality, transparency, and reproducibility of research, foster collaboration and innovation, and accelerate the dissemination and application of knowledge.

3 Artificial intelligence and automation

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming various aspects of research, from data collection and analysis, to writing and publishing, to evaluation and peer review. AI and automation can help you perform complex and tedious tasks faster and more accurately, generate new insights and hypotheses, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your research. However, they also pose ethical, legal, and social challenges, such as data privacy, bias, accountability, and human-machine interaction. Therefore, you need to be aware of the potential benefits and risks of using AI and automation in your research, and develop the skills and competencies to use them responsibly and critically.

4 Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research

Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research are approaches that integrate knowledge, methods, and perspectives from different disciplines and sectors to address complex and real-world problems. Interdisciplinary research combines disciplines within and across academic boundaries, while transdisciplinary research involves collaboration with non-academic stakeholders, such as policymakers, practitioners, and communities. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research can help you generate novel and relevant solutions, broaden your horizons and networks, and increase the impact and value of your research. However, they also require you to overcome the challenges of communication, coordination, and integration across diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives and interests.