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

2. 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

3. Major Initiative Led to Including Key Scientific Rigor Components in NIH Applications
Nature ;505:612-13

4. 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:

5. The Way Forward: How to Build a Research Career

6. Top Ten Things I Have Learned
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

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