Thinking up an original scientific research project

Abstract

Abstract Writing a research proposal is not a simple task if we wish–and we do usually wish!–to succeed in putting our project into practice. Three different developing stages should indeed be clearly borne in mind from the very beginning. The first stage requires you (the applicant) “To have your own idea”, thus demanding novelty and originality in the way of thinking; the second has the goal “To get your idea funded”, thus entailing project feasibility and persuasion in the way in which the idea is presented; and the third is “To run the project”, thus requiring resources and local implementation. The first step–i.e., to think out of the box, to be different, to be unique–is the most difficult task, the challenging point in the elaboration process. The importance of reading scientific literature, being aware of competitors and developing original thoughts will be discussed. And communication–from brain to brain, from yours to proposal reviewers’ mind–will unavoidably emerge as the voussoir, the wedge-shaped or tapered stone used to construct the whole project. In this context, the three pillars of the Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle will be discussed: ethos (credibility), logos (reasoning) and pathos (empathy). It will end with a basic, central principle as “Have the brain full up with the whole story before writing any single word on any blank piece of paper”.