New to research or not sure where to start? This session provides a practical overview of different types of research projects, how to choose a supervisor, ethics and governance basics, and what journals expect. Ideal for students who want to get inv
Research can feel intimidating, especially if you are unsure where to start or what is expected of you. This Research Kickstart session is designed to provide students with a clear, practical overview of what they need to know before starting a research project. The session will introduce the different types of research projects, including dry (literature-based, audit, education, and clinical research) and wet (laboratory-based and translational) projects, and outline what preparation, time commitment, and skill sets are typically required for each. Guidance will be provided on how to choose a supervisor, what to expect from different projects, and how to set realistic expectations from the outset. Key research governance topics will be covered, including ethics applications, health and safety considerations, alongside an introduction to how to choose an appropriate journal, understand journal impact factors, submission requirements, and the expectations of editors and peer reviewers. The session will also highlight core research skills students are encouraged to develop, such as reference management (EndNote and Zotero), systematic review skills, and basic biostatistics using tools such as SPSS, R, or Python. Practical signposting to student resources and support will be provided throughout. This session is ideal for students at any stage of their degree who are considering getting involved in research and want a realistic, structured introduction to the research process.