Shaping Your Research Narrative and Vision

Define the core message.  

At the heart of every great research story is a powerful message. What big question drives your work, and why should others care? Start by clearly defining

1. the central idea behind your research,
2. the challenge it tackles, and
3. the reason it matters beyond your field. 

This core message should be concise, compelling, and framed to show its relevance to larger conversations—whether societal, scientific, or global.

Establish context and relevance.

Provide background that situates your work within the larger field. 

1. Answer these questions in writing: Why is your research needed? What gap does it fill?
2. Create a list of the main stakeholder types for all phases of your research program, then jot down a list of needs, problems, and opportunities for each of them. Your research story should touch on each of these. 

Develop a logical structure.

The same way that a strong research narrative follows a logical progression, you can follow the same structure for your research story:  

1. Introduction: Present the research question and its importance. 
2. Approach: Summarize the methods and framework used. 
3. Findings: Highlight key results and their implications. 
4. Impact: Discuss how your research contributes to the field, to society, and its potential applications. 
5. Discussion: Identify areas/questions that you would like to pursue with future research. 

Use engaging and accessible language. 

While maintaining academic rigor, aim for clarity and accessibility. Avoid using jargon and prioritize clear, concise explanations. Consider tailoring different versions of your story for technical and non-technical audiences. 

Incorporate personal and collaborative efforts. 

Readers connect with stories that have a human element. Develop brief anecdotes to share

1. the motivations behind your research,
2. challenges faced, and
3. collaborations involved 

Leverage visuals.

Graphs, images, and videos can significantly enhance your research story. Visuals help illustrate complex concepts and make your findings more digestible. Consider what would help you tell your story and who might assist you in creating these tools.  

Adapt for a variety of platforms. 

Your research story should be adaptable for various formats:

1. grant applications,
2. academic presentations,
3. public engagement,
4. news media, and
5. digital platforms. 

Consider how to tailor your message for each. 

Seek feedback and iterate. 

Sharing your research story with colleagues and non-experts to refine its clarity and impact. Continuous refinement ensures that your message remains engaging and accessible to your intended audience.