How can you develop research skills in a science setting?

1 Identify your research goals

Before you start any research project, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, why it is important, and how you will measure your progress. This will help you to define your research question, hypothesis, and objectives, as well as to plan your methods, data collection, and analysis. You can use tools such as SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) criteria to set your research goals and ensure that they are realistic and meaningful.

4 Communicate your research

Another key research skill is the ability to communicate your research to different audiences and purposes, such as peers, supervisors, funders, or the public. You should be able to present your research in various formats, such as reports, papers, posters, presentations, or podcasts. You should also be able to use clear, concise, and accurate language, as well as visual aids, graphs, tables, or figures, to convey your research message and impact. You should also be open to feedback and criticism, and use them to improve your research quality and skills.

5 Collaborate and network

Research is not a solitary activity, but rather a collaborative and social one. You can benefit from working with others who share your research interests, goals, or challenges, and who can offer you support, advice, or resources. You can also expand your research network and opportunities by connecting with people from different disciplines, sectors, or backgrounds, who can provide you with different perspectives, insights, or collaborations. You can use platforms such as social media, conferences, workshops, or online communities to network and collaborate with other researchers.

6 Keep learning and improving

Research is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and improvement. You should always seek to update your knowledge and skills, and to adapt to new developments, trends, or demands in your field. You should also reflect on your research strengths and weaknesses, and identify areas where you need to improve or learn new skills. You can use resources such as courses, books, podcasts, blogs, or mentors to learn and improve your research skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?