Before you concentrate on your research and start collecting your first key findings or discovering new theoretical realms in your fields, there are certain details you may need to consider. This all comes down to project planning, although we all know that research might not bring all the initial expected results.
Key research considerations might include the following. The list only includes a few selected examples so if you have questions about conducting research contact rescon@lse.ac.uk|.
Not all research projects involve empirical data collection or field trips but certain projects may require research respondents who are vulnerable (e.g. patients, children), in difficult to reach areas (e.g. detention centres, prisons, war and conflict zones) or overseas. Consult your unit head and manager and get advice from LSE’s own travel insurance officers|.
Is your research externally funded? Are you collaborating with other scholars? To protect your (and your collaborators’) research activity and findings you need to ensure that the IP rights of all parties are clearly detailed in the contract or collaboration agreement.
The Research Development team can assist with IP negotiations, contact us for further information.
National or international conferences are ideal platforms for disseminating your research ideas and projects. Ensure that your research reaches beyond the boundaries of your own discipline or academia through:
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press releases
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policy papers
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public lectures
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workshops with end users (who will eventually benefit from your research findings)
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blogs
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academic online networks (e.g. academia.edu, your personal web pages, twitter)
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social mobility arrangements that correlate to staff exchange between another institution or government agency (depending on the nature of the research)
Knowledge Exchange
Some external funders require knowledge exchange activities to be embedded within the project design at the application stage. For guidance on integrating knowledge exchange within your research project contact the Research Development team| .
Funding
Most funders require that you outline your expected non-academic impact and your pathway to impact. See our guidance on writing a Pathways to Impact statement [pdf].
UK Research Councils are committed to “excellence with impact” and require grant applicants to submit:
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an Impact Summary outlining who is expected to benefit from the research and how they might benefit
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a Pathways to Impact statement indicating what will be done to ensure that potential beneficiaries are extended the opportunity to engage with the research. See ESRC guidance on how to maximise research impact [External].
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has incorporated a new requirement – impact case studies – into the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the exercise that assesses research and determines research funding allocations to universities. See HEFCE’s Assessment framework and guidance on submissions (REF 02.2011)| [External]
Benefits to your research:
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more control over how your research is interpreted and applied in contexts of policy and practice
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access to potential partners, collaborators and respondents
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access to contexts for testing or disseminating your findings
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confirmation that your findings are relevant in real-world contexts
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building new relationships and networks relevant to your research
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increasing the probability of securing more funding
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inspiring others (e.g. students, alumni, the next generation of researchers)
Benefits to your career:
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developing new skills (e.g. influencing policy-makers, fostering public debate)
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enhancing your reputation or influence
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adding to your prospects for career progression
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greater sense of enjoyment, satisfaction and contribution from your work
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ensuring your legacy
Benefits to your department and LSE:
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reputation and influence of your department
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funding and reputation of LSE
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achievement of the Fabian ideals upon which LSE was founded
Assistance
If you would like assistance in thinking about the potential for creating impact from your research, please contact the research impact manager, Rachel Middlemass, at r.middlemass@lse.ac.uk|.
Ethics in research could have two connotations:
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relates to ethical “ways” of conducting research and the extent to which you treat your research data sources as confidential.
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the extent to which an end result of a research piece is ethical (i.e. new knowledge leading end users to normative and legitimate activity)
The Research Division's Research Policy team, through the Research Ethics Committee, ensure that the School upholds a high level of scrutiny for research projects requiring ethical consideration.
For further information visit the policy and ethics page within the Research Division website|.