Research Strategy is a big part of the overall research plan. It describes the rationale for the research and the experiments used to accomplish each specific aim. It addresses Significance, Innovation, and Approach around each specific aim. Further it addresses Preliminary Studies, Progress Reports, or other sections related to Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals, Select Agents, and others.

Research Strategy addresses the big picture: Can your research move your field forward? Is the field important? Will progress make a difference to human health? Can you and your team carry out the work?

IRB/IACUC Protocols refer to research protocols approved by Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC). These protocols and review processes are an essential and often time-consuming part of research. Understanding the audience and oversight role is critical for success. Appropriate review and upfront recommendations significantly reduce the approval process. Strong IRB/IACUC protocols address the big picture: Why your research is important? How do you intend to conduct the research? Who will take part in your study? How you will manage experimental data once you have collected it?

Technology Assessments (TAs) / Technology Landscape Maps help to identify emerging technologies that address a capability gap. TAs and Technology Landscape Maps examine and report properties of a medical technology used in health care: What is the safety, efficacy, and feasibility profile of the technology? What are the indications for use, cost, and cost-effectiveness of the technology? What are the social, economic, and ethical consequences of the technology? What are the technology readiness levels (i.e., TRLs) of the technology?