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How to Write a Research Plan

Message to you

  • Writing a research plan is difficult, please ask for sample if you dont know how to write.
  • Your work must align with our institution’s philosophies: 「地域から世界へ」1 and 「to Advance Knowledge for Humanity」. Please read the Japanese version here to know more about our mission and goals: https://u-aizu.ac.jp/curriculum/policy/admission/

Follow these simple steps to create a strong research plan:

1. Learn About Our Research

Before you start writing, take time to read about our previous research projects and publications. This will help you:

  • Understand what topics we focus on.
  • Find ways to connect your research idea with what we’ve already done.
  • Show how your work will add to or expand our research.

2. Clearly Explain Your Research Purpose

Begin your plan by clearly explaining what you want to research:

  • What problem are you trying to solve?
  • Why is this problem important?
  • What are the main goals of your research?

Make sure your explanation is easy to understand.

3. Give an Overview of the Current Research

Provide a short review of the research already done in your area:

  • What are the key ideas and important findings?
  • What gaps or problems still need to be solved?
  • How will your research fill these gaps or improve on the existing work?
  • Mention how your research could help solve a local or global problem.

4. Describe Your Research Plan

Explain how you will carry out your research. Include:

  • The methods or experiments you will use.
  • The tools or resources you need.
  • Illustrations or diagrams of your plan, especially if it is difficult to explain in words.
  • A timeline showing key steps and when you expect to complete them.
  • A detailed schedule with specific tasks and deadlines.
  • Any challenges you might face and how you plan to overcome them.

5. Highlight the Impact of Your Research

Show why your research is important:

  • How will it help the community, industry, or society?
  • How does it fit with our institution’s goals?
  • Could it lead to partnerships or collaborations?

6. Keep It Simple and Well-Organized

Make sure your research plan is:

  • Easy to read with clear sections and headings.
  • Free of complex words or unnecessary details.
  • Short and to the point (2-3 pages is ideal).

By following these steps, you’ll create a research plan that is clear, relevant, and shows your potential to make a valuable contribution.

  1. "From the Local to the Global" ↩