Research Strategy Yang Chai, DDS, PhD Professor/Director George and MaryLou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Molecular Biology Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology

1. Nature of your research What is the big picture? It should be consequential, biomedical research that turns discovery into health (NIH) 2. Research approach Discuss with your mentors/colleagues before you decide on the approach 3. Study design Sample size and reproducibility

Major Initiative Led to Including Key Scientific Rigor Components in NIH Applications https://grants.nih.gov/reproducibility/index.htm Nature. 2014;505:612-13

Improving Animal Studies Power Design Choosing the right species Validating animal models for human diseases Animals are not test tubes Transparency Mammals in Research Courtesy Dr. Carrie D. Wolinetz, OSP Image: http://www.animalresearchcures.org/typesneeded.htm

The Way Forward: How to Build a Research Career

Top Ten Things I Have Learned 10. Use experiments of nature to guide your research questions 9. Do not re-invent the wheel – always go to experts for advice 8. Over-report failure; under-report success 7. Know what good is and aim for it 6. Do not be afraid to fail 5. Do not fall in love with your idea; let your data be your compass 4. Humor can be effective tool, as long as the “joke is on you” 3. Hard work makes up for lack of brilliance 2. You do not have to be the smartest person in the room to succeed; just make sure you are always in a room with smart people 1. Be a mensch – offer help without any expectation of “return” Dr. Larry Tabak, Principal Deputy Director, NIH

NIH Funds Scientists Across U.S. USC Alaska Hawaii 451 Awards