What is a research vision? ...and how do I develop one?

Have you ever paused to think about where your research program is heading? Or,?why?your research focusses on the topics or concepts that it does?

Most researchers have a good idea about the studies they want to conduct in the near future. However, fewer researchers articulate a vision to inform others about this direction. Producing a clear and concise research vision statement is becoming common requirement of grants, fellowships and promotion applications.?

So, what is a research vision? It is:

1.?????A broad and aspirational statement that outlines the long-term impact of your research, if money and time were no issue e.g. “a world without cancer”,?or “accessible healthcare for all” or?“no development delays in Australian children”?

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2.?????A description of the underpinning approach or the pathway towards realising this point e.g.?“through innovations in vaccine technology” or?“by eradicating socioeconomic barriers to health care”?or “through targeted, early and more responsive health care assessments”

A research vision should be ambitious, inspiring and able to guide a research team towards achieving meaningful outcomes. It sets your value and serves as a rallying point for stakeholders, helping to motivate and align efforts towards a common impact goal.

How do I develop a research vision?

Developing a research vision requires careful reflection, planning, and continuous refinement. Ideally, researchers should develop a research vision and use it in practice, long before the time comes to articulate a vision in an application form.?

Here are some steps that I’ve shared with others and can help you develop a research vision:

1.?????Set aside some time and space:?You may like to book out half a day in your calendar to complete the steps below or take the opportunity while away on a trip or out of the office where you have fewer distractions. You could undertake this exercise with a close colleague through a series of informal meetings and also schedule time with a mentor to share your vision(s) when you are ready for feedback. Creating this time and space is critical to having a genuine research vision that is meaningful to you and utilised in your practice.

2.?????Don’t start from scratch:?Reflect on your research experience. Consider your strengths and what you are passionate about and interested in. Consider what drives you to learn more and explore further in a particular area, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. Consider the really big issues that you want your research to solve. Don’t hold back; this is your chance to dream big and imagine a future where your research demonstrates knowledge leadership for a better world.

3.?????Situate yourself in the broader context:?Think about how your research fits into the broader context of your field or discipline. Consider how your research can contribute to the existing body of knowledge and advance the field in a way that has significant impact. Ultimately, ask yourself :?What do you hope to achieve through your research? What impact do you hope your research will have?

4.?????Refine and revise:?Your research vision is not set in stone. It will evolve and change as you progress through your research. Continuously refine and revise your research vision as you gain new insights and knowledge.

Remember that developing a research vision takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent in developing a clear and compelling vision that will guide your research.

How do I use a research vision in practice?

Having a research vision allows you to be strategic when deciding how to best dedicate your time and effort in research.

There are two key ways to use your research vision:

1.?????When designing and developing future research:?With your research vision, you can develop a roadmap for your research that outlines the steps you will take to achieve your goals and objectives. This can include timelines, research methods, data collection and analysis, and dissemination plans. You can identify people you wish to collaborate with and their skillsets to advance towards your vision, as well as key stakeholders who you will need to have the impact in your vision.

2.?????When responding to research opportunities:?The next time you are invited to join a project, review an article, undertake a service commitment or help develop a conference, or upskill in an area, ask yourself,?‘How does this relate to my research vision?’. If there is a justifiable connection, you can confidently pursue the opportunity. If there isn’t a justifiable connection, the opportunity may be best suited to someone else. Ultimately, using your research vision as a filter will help strategically prioritise your time and efforts for maximum impact.

Best wishes with developing your research vision. I’d love to hear about your research vision and how you’ve used it to benefit your work.