You have secured a grant for your research project, but what happens when the funding runs out? How do you ensure that your project has a lasting impact and can continue to generate value for yourself, your collaborators, and your stakeholders? In this article, you will learn some practical tips on how to make your research project sustainable after the grant.
The first step to making your research project sustainable is to plan ahead. Before you start your project, you should have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, how you will measure your progress and outcomes, and how you will communicate and disseminate your results. You should also identify potential sources of long-term support, such as partnerships, follow-up grants, spin-offs, or commercialization opportunities. Having a realistic and flexible plan will help you avoid wasting time and resources, and increase your chances of securing future funding and collaborations.
This can be very complex, as there are competing challenges. While academics aim to publish papers and books, there is a quagmire of ethical considerations, data protection, proprietary information that need to be juggled that often prevent making all of the project materials available publicly.
The second step to making your research project sustainable is to document and share your work. You should keep detailed records of your data, methods, findings, and challenges, and make them accessible and reusable for others. You should also publish your results in reputable journals, present them at conferences and events, and engage with relevant audiences through social media, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters. By documenting and sharing your work, you will increase your visibility and credibility, demonstrate your impact and value, and foster a culture of openness and collaboration.
Remember data is the currency in the research world. Even when funding expires, the data are still there. If collected and retained systematically, they can generate further output or become an important resource that you can share for building your network and reputation. For sure you'd need to ensure you've got all the clearance and the data are appropriately processed (such as de-identification) before doing so.
The third step to making your research project sustainable is to learn and adapt. You should constantly monitor and evaluate your project, and collect feedback from your peers, mentors, funders, and beneficiaries. You should also be open to new ideas, opportunities, and challenges, and be willing to adjust your goals, methods, and strategies accordingly. By learning and adapting, you will improve your skills and knowledge, discover new insights and innovations, and respond to changing needs and expectations.
The fourth step to making your research project sustainable is to network and collaborate. You should build and maintain relationships with other researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders who share your interests and goals. You should also seek and offer support, advice, and guidance, and explore ways to join forces, exchange resources, and create synergies. By networking and collaborating, you will expand your reach and influence, leverage your strengths and assets, and create a community of practice and impact.
Depending on the nature of the outputs, stakeholders and partners can be essential in the continuation of the project, as they may be willing to continue to host the databases / websites or publications.
The fifth step to making your research project sustainable is to train and mentor. You should share your expertise and experience with others, especially with early-career researchers, students, or volunteers who want to learn from you or join your project. You should also provide them with opportunities to develop their skills, confidence, and autonomy, and to contribute to your project in meaningful ways. By training and mentoring, you will enhance your leadership and communication skills, inspire and motivate others, and ensure the continuity and legacy of your project.
Training and mentoring in such context is mutually beneficial to the trainer/mentor and the trainee/mentee. Particularly with the advancement of technologies, we are well beyond the traditional apprenticeship-like relationship between different generations of academics. Supporting less-experienced researchers may in turn, for instance, have their support on the latest technology. If you are a researcher at your early career, you may think in such way to see how you can effectively engage more experienced researchers in your field. It should always be a win-win situation.
The sixth and final step to making your research project sustainable is to celebrate and reflect. You should acknowledge and appreciate your achievements and contributions, as well as those of your team members, partners, and supporters. You should also take time to reflect on your challenges and failures, and to identify your lessons learned and best practices. By celebrating and reflecting, you will boost your morale and satisfaction, recognize your growth and development, and prepare for your next steps and opportunities.
It is also important to look for a tighter synergy with companies: you may consider a mutually beneficial agreement where you independently make a research that is also interesting for the company, so that the company provides the funds, equipments and reagents to continue the research.