A "Research Agenda" page on your academic website can provide a compelling roadmap of your future research directions, showcasing your intellectual curiosity and long-term vision. It goes beyond your current projects by outlining the big questions that drive your work and the areas you plan to explore in the years to come.
What is a Research Agenda Page?
This page articulates your long-term research goals and aspirations. It outlines the overarching questions or themes that guide your research and provides a glimpse into the future trajectory of your scholarly pursuits.
Why Include It?
Vision and Direction: Communicates your research vision and demonstrates your commitment to advancing knowledge in your field.
Attract Collaborators: By outlining your future research plans, you can attract potential collaborators who share your interests and goals.
Inspire Students: Provides prospective and current students with a sense of the exciting research directions you are pursuing and potential opportunities for involvement.
Stimulate Discussion: Encourages dialogue and exchange of ideas about future research directions within your field.
Content of the Page
Overarching Research Questions: Clearly articulate the big questions or challenges that motivate your research.
Key Themes and Areas of Focus: Outline the key themes or areas of inquiry that you plan to explore in the future.
Methodological Approaches: Describe the methodological approaches you anticipate using to address your research questions.
Potential Impact: Discuss the potential impact of your research agenda on your field and beyond.
Connections to Current Work: Explain how your research agenda builds upon your current projects and expertise.
Effective Use of the Page
Be Ambitious but Realistic: Set ambitious goals while remaining grounded in the feasibility of your research plans.
Prioritize Clarity: Use clear and concise language to communicate your research vision effectively.
Structure Logically: Organize the page in a logical manner, using headings and subheadings to guide the reader.
Connect to Other Pages: Link to your "Current Projects" and "Publications" pages to provide context for your research agenda.
Similar Pages
Research Interests Page: Provides a broader overview of your current research areas, while the Research Agenda page focuses on future directions.
Projects Page: Details your ongoing research, which may contribute to your long-term research agenda.
Other Topics to Consider
Funding Opportunities: Mention any funding opportunities you are pursuing to support your research agenda.
Calls for Collaboration: Explicitly invite collaboration on research projects related to your agenda.
Evolving Nature of Research: Acknowledge that your research agenda may evolve over time as new discoveries are made and new questions arise.