Guidelines for the Research Proposal

In consultation with your faculty mentor, prepare a research proposal describing your project in detail. You must follow these guidelines precisely as you write your research proposal. The guidelines are to be used for both SRP and AADR applications.

General Considerations:
Your proposal must be typed. Sections A through D must be double spaced. Sections E through H must be single spaced. PROPOSAL MAY NOT BE LONGER THAN EIGHT (8) PAGES OR 2800 WORDS! You should use standard 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper with at least .5 inch margins on all sides of each page. Font should be 11 points or larger.

Note to Returning Students:
Research projects that are submitted as part of a previously accepted proposal must include a paragraph highlighting how this new project is different from the previously approved project. It should also include a progress report on the previously approved project.

Outline (based on the NIH grant application format):
  1. Specific Aims
    List the broad, long-term objectives and the goal of the specific research proposed, e.g., to test a stated hypothesis, create a novel design, solve a specific problem, challenge an existing paradigm or clinical practice, address a critical barrier to progress in the field, or develop new technology.

  2. Background and Significance
    Briefly sketch the background leading to the present application, summarize existing knowledge, and identify the gaps that the project is intended to fill. State concisely the importance and health relevance of the research. If the aims of the applications are achieved, state how scientific knowledge or clinical practice will be advanced.

  3. Preliminary Data (if any)
    Provide an account of any preliminary studies pertinent to this application.

  4. Materials and Methods, including statistical management of data
    Describe the research design, procedures, and analyses to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project. Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Discuss the potential difficulties and limitations of the proposed procedures and alternative approaches to achieve the aims. As part of this section, provide a tentative sequence or timetable for the project.

  5. Literature Cited

  6. Resource Information - Facilities and equipment to be used for research project

  7. Other Support (current grants/funding supporting the mentor)

  8. Recombinant DNA, Recombinant DNA Molecules (if applicable)
    Indicate that your project adheres to the current NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA.
The following documentation must also be provided:

Human Subjects (if applicable)
Provide documentation that your project has been approved by your Institutional Review Board or a statement that the approval is pending.

Vertebrate Animals (if applicable)
Provide documentation that your project has been approved by your Institutional Review Board or a statement that the approval is pending.

Information on obtaining these approvals is included in the Human Subjects / Vertebrate Animal Subjects Information page.