Building a research program in today’s funding landscape requires more than strong ideas—it requires strategic thinking, collaboration, and the ability to adapt as opportunities evolve.
This semester, the Center for Social & Behavioral Science (CSBS) Emerging Investigators Lunch Series brought together early-career faculty and experienced scholars for candid conversations about the realities of sustaining and evolving research programs. Two interactive sessions explored two key challenges many researchers face: conducting impactful work with limited resources and knowing when—and how—to pivot a research agenda.
Conducting High Impact Research on a Shoestring | February 2
The series opened with a panel focused on advancing research when funding is limited. Faculty panelists Will Barley (Communication), Liza Berdychevsky (Recreation, Sport, & Tourism), and Chadly Stern (Psychology) shared practical strategies for maintaining momentum in resource-constrained environments. The discussion sparked thoughtful questions from attendees about balancing goals with available resources and identifying creative pathways to sustain research momentum early in a career.
Panelists emphasized the importance of creativity and flexibility in research design. They highlighted several strategies for advancing research in resource-constrained environments, including:
- Leveraging existing datasets to pursue new questions without the need for costly data collection
- Designing studies that can scale with available resources (start-up funds or internal grants)
- Building interdisciplinary collaborations that allow researchers to share expertise and infrastructure
- Rather than waiting for large grants, the conversation underscored how innovative methodologies and focused research questions can generate meaningful impact even with modest resources.
Beyond sharing their research trajectories, panelists offered honest advice for early-career scholars navigating the first years of building a research program, encouraging them to remain strategic, cultivate collaborative networks, and pursue research questions that can advance knowledge even in uncertain funding climates.
Pivoting or Retooling Your Research | March 2
The second session explored a different but equally common challenge: knowing when to shift research directions. The panel featured Marie Channell (Speech & Hearing Science) and Nancy McElwain (Human Development & Family Studies), who reflected on their experiences moving their research programs in new directions. The conversation generated lively discussion among attendees, many of whom are navigating similar questions about how and when to evolve their own research programs.
Prof. Channell discussed her shift toward community-based participatory research (CBPR), emphasizing the importance of centering lived experiences and building research approaches that authentically reflect the populations being studied. Prof. McElwain described methodological pivots in her work that required deeper collaboration across labs and disciplines.
Both panelists highlighted that successful pivots often require developing new competencies, including learning the language, norms, and expectations of new fields collaborators belong to. Taking time to align goals, mentoring approaches, communication styles, and publication expectations can make interdisciplinary work more productive and sustainable.
The discussion underscored the role of new collaborations in enabling research transitions. Panelists encouraged researchers not to hesitate to reach out to potential collaborators—even through a “cold call” and to consider consultants when specialized expertise is needed. Seed funding can also play a critical role in helping scholars explore new collaborations and generate the preliminary work needed for larger grants.
Practical Advice for Researchers Considering a Pivot
Panelists shared key questions researchers should consider before launching a new collaboration or research direction:
- Do collaborators share the same goals and vision for the project?
- Are timelines clearly articulated and realistic?
- Are the roles and areas of expertise of each team member clearly defined?
Prof. Channell offered a helpful perspective on career evolution: “You have a book of many chapters.” Strategic pivots, she noted, can help researchers pursue new questions while building on the strengths of earlier work.
Both panelists encouraged researchers to pay attention to their own intellectual energy, challenging them to spend a week observing which aspects of work feel energizing and which feel draining. This exercise can offer valuable insight into when it may be time to explore new directions for your program of research.
Why These Conversations Matter
Events like the Emerging Investigators series reflect the mission of CSBS to support interdisciplinary research and strengthen scholarly communities at Illinois. By creating space for open conversations about the realities of research careers, the series helps early-career scholars build the strategies, networks, and confidence needed to sustain impactful work.
Upcoming Event
Assistant Professor Gathering
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 / 8:00 AM – Noon
A day of meaningful networking, skill-building, and collaboration designed to spark new research partnerships for early-career faculty.
Stay Connected with CSBS
Conversations like these don’t end when the event does. Follow CSBS on LinkedIn to stay connected with the community—stay updated on funding opportunities, upcoming events, research tips, and highlights from the work of CSBS affiliates across campus.
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