Navigating Research

Map Your Research Lifecycle

Visualize the entire research lifecycle, from start to finish and discover the support available to you.

Need help figuring out where you are in the process?

Start with your departmental research administrator. They can help interpret sponsor requirements, prepare budgets and administrative forms, route submissions, and connect you with the right central office for approvals and award management.

Explore all units in the Office for Research

Research Lifecycle Map Outline

Listed below is a text outline of the research lifecycle map with links to information and resources.

Pre-award Steps

• Start Here: Find Funding

  Identify funding sources that align with your research goals.

• Develop a Proposal

  Access Proposal Development resources.

• Clinical Research Pathway

  Navigate the specific steps and approvals for human subjects research through the clinical research infrastructure.

• Proposal Review and Submission

  Learn about proposal review and submission processes at Northwestern, including the university's Proposal Submission Policy.

Post-award Steps

• Accept and Set-up Award
  Sponsored Research formally reviews and sets up new awards so that you can initiate your funded project.

• Manage Award
  • Financial Management
    

    Accounting Services for Research and Sponsored Programs (ASRSP) is your go-to resource for financial post-award activities related to sponsored projects

  • Non-Financial Post-Award

    Sponsored Research is the central unit that assists you and your research staff with non-financial post-award activities, such as budget revisions and no cost extensions. 

• Commercialization Pathway

  Explore avenues for protecting, commercializing and bringing your discover to the public with Innovation and New Ventures.

• Closeout Award

  Ensure proper final reporting and administrative closure of your project. 

• Start Again!

Cross-phase Research Support

Supporting your research at every stage involves essential continuous activities, including meeting regulatory standards (Research Compliance), negotiating and executing contracts (Agreements), and utilizing specialized resources (Core Facilities).