Develop a Preliminary Idea
Strong research ideas often grow from multiple sources of inspiration. Using some or all of the strategies below can help you shape early concepts into viable research directions.
Reflect on Your Interests and Strengths
Your own experiences, curiosities, and professional passions can be powerful generators of research ideas. Don't overlook moments of insight or recurring themes in your work - quiet reflection often sparks meaningful innovation.
Engage Your Network
Ideas frequently emerge through conversation and collaboration. Take advantage of opportunities to:
- Talk with colleagues
- Present at conferences
- Review manuscripts
- Serve on panels or advisory councils
- Connect with national or international experts in your field
These interactions can expose you to new perspectives and reveal unmet needs or emerging directions.
Scan the External Landscape
Look outward to understand what stakeholders, funders, or industry partners are seeking. While this may not always produce groundbreaking ideas, it can help you identify practical research opportunities. Consider:
- Partnering with private companies
- Reviewing federal Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
- Monitoring trends in funding priorities
This approach can help you align your research vision with real-world demand.
Build on Existing Work
New ideas often emerge from revisiting previous research. Published findings are rarely as complete or conclusive as they appear. As you read or listen, ask yourself:
- Where did the researcher's ideas originate?
- What was accomplished?
- How does this connect with other studies?
- What logical next step could extend this work?
- What new perspectives or methods could deepen or broaden the topic?
Be willing to adjust your direction as you explore - early concepts frequently evolve into something stronger.
Identify Data Sources
- Utah Population Database (UPDB)
- The Federated Utah Research and Translational Health e-Repository (FURTHeR)
- CDC Wonder
- Intermountain Healthcare
Facilities & Resources
- Core Research Facilities
- Translational Technologies and Resources Core
- Biomedical Informatics Core
- Spencer S. Eccles Health Science Library
- J. Willard Marriott Library
- UofU Facts & Stats
Collaboration Tools
