Early-career researchers can set their research agenda by identifying their interests, knowledge gaps in the field, and real-world relevance of potential topics. They should start by reviewing existing literature, engaging in academic discussions, and analyzing pressing societal or scientific challenges to refine their focus. Supervisors play a crucial role by guiding them toward feasible, impactful, and methodologically sound topics, ensuring alignment with academic trends and funding opportunities. Encouraging interdisciplinary approaches, hands-on research experience, and collaboration with experts can help refine research questions. Additionally, developing clear objectives, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting appropriate methodologies will provide a solid foundation for their research. A well-structured research agenda not only enhances academic growth but also contributes meaningfully to the field.

Thank you Shashwata Sahu for your insightful suggestions.

One method I have used before is to engage in current events and topics of widespread debate. I find a specific argument or point of concern expressed that resonates with my understanding. Suppose I cannot explain why I believe it is correct. In that case, I embark on my independent research journey until I have enough cited works and theories to support my perspective in an academic setting. That is foundational learning, which leads to new interests and furthers understanding.

Thank you Kaitlin McQuaid for sharing.

PhDs: writing is your job

“Your job is to have ideas and spread them so that they impact other people’s work. Writing is your job. Nothing else,” argues computational biomedicine researcher Dennis Hazelett in an open letter to early-career scientists. While offering encouraging advice on how to overcome writers’ block, read difficult prose and tackle your next scientific manuscript, Hazelett is unstinting in his assertion that “writing is the only thing you do that matters”. “Doing top-tier science requires deep thinking,” he says. “Deep thinking means writing.”

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-025-02584-1.epdf?

Early researchers can set their research agenda by identifying their interests, reviewing existing literature to find gaps, aligning with current issues or community needs, consulting mentors, and setting clear, achievable goals that contribute new knowledge to their field.