April 22, 2025

On April 1, the CSBS hosted the latest Emerging Investigators Lunch, focused on Building your research program. This session featured associate professors from across campus who shared strategies for developing a core research agenda, balancing research independence with collaboration, and evolving their research programs over time. Panelists included Catherine Fairbairn (psychology), David Molitor (Gies College of Business), and Charee Thompson (communication). 

Developing a Core Research Agenda  
When it comes to setting a research agenda, several guiding principles emerged from the discussion:  

Address gaps in the field: Focus on areas that are underexplored or overlooked. This can involve asking what is not being discussed in the area or how your research can contribute to solving pressing societal issues.  

Consider long-term impact: Choose topics with the potential for long-term relevance. Research that addresses human suffering or advances measurement tools for scientific progress can have a broad impact and remain valuable over time. 

Embrace curiosity and risk: Do not be afraid to take a non-linear path or explore high-risk, novel ideas. The key is to pursue questions that remain interesting, no matter the outcome, and ensure your research remains compelling even if results diverge from expectations.  

Balancing Independence with Collaboration  
The panelists offered strategies to navigate the delicate balance between working independently and collaborating with others:  

Strategic collaboration: Look for collaborators whose skill sets complement yours rather than duplicate them. Clear communication from the start about project goals, roles, and publishing expectations can help avoid conflicts down the road.  

Work with peers at similar career stages: Collaborating with other early career faculty can be particularly beneficial, as these individuals are likely to share similar challenges and motivations, such as the drive to publish and achieve tenure.  

Choose projects thoughtfully: Recognize that different types of collaborations—whether faculty-only, student-driven, or multidisciplinary—require different approaches and levels of coordination. Be mindful of how external collaborations can shape the trajectory of a project.  

Evolving Your Research Program  
The panelists emphasized the importance of reflection and adaptation as a research program grows:  

Regular self-assessment: Continuously ask yourself questions about the direction of your research. Regular reviews, formal or informal, help assess how your program is evolving and ensure it stays aligned with your academic goals.  

Adapt from theoretical to applied: As your research matures, consider how your work can transition from theoretical to more practical applications, allowing your findings to have real-world impact and influence beyond academia.  

Build a supportive team: Carefully selecting collaborators and students who align with your research goals is crucial for the continued growth of your research. Cultivate a team that complements your strengths and helps drive the research forward.  

About the Emerging Investigators Series  
The Emerging Investigators Lunch series provides assistant professors in the social and behavioral sciences with an opportunity to engage with experienced faculty members, including CSBS Director Eva Pomerantz. The series offers a platform for discussing challenges and strategies related to building a successful research career, while fostering connections and collaborations among emerging investigators.  

Stay tuned for future Emerging Investigators Lunch sessions, where you can gain insights from faculty members who have navigated the complexities of academic research.