a research stay meaning

Research Basics

• What Is Research?
• Types of Research
• Secondary Research | Literature Review
• Developing Your Topic
• Primary vs. Secondary Sources
• Evaluating Sources
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Additional Help

A good working definition of research might be:

Research is the deliberate, purposeful, and systematic gathering of data, information, facts, and/or opinions for the advancement of personal, societal, or overall human knowledge.

Based on this definition, we all do research all the time. Most of this research is casual research. Asking friends what they think of different restaurants, looking up reviews of various products online, learning more about celebrities; these are all research.

Formal research includes the type of research most people think of when they hear the term “research”: scientists in white coats working in a fully equipped laboratory. But formal research is a much broader category that just this. Most people will never do laboratory research after graduating from college, but almost everybody will have to do some sort of formal research at some point in their careers.

So What Do We Mean By “Formal Research?”

Casual research is inward facing: it’s done to satisfy our own curiosity or meet our own needs, whether that’s choosing a reliable car or figuring out what to watch on TV. Formal research is outward facing. While it may satisfy our own curiosity, it’s primarily intended to be shared in order to achieve some purpose. That purpose could be anything: finding a cure for cancer, securing funding for a new business, improving some process at your workplace, proving the latest theory in quantum physics, or even just getting a good grade in your Humanities 200 class.

What sets formal research apart from casual research is the documentation of where you gathered your information from. This is done in the form of “citations” and “bibliographies.” Citing sources is covered in the section "Citing Your Sources."

Formal research also follows certain common patterns depending on what the research is trying to show or prove. These are covered in the section “Types of Research.”

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• Last Updated: May 17, 2024 11:08 AM
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The research stay agreement - doctoral students

The multi-annual research programming law (LPR) passed on 24 December 2020 created a new scheme to make it easier for foreign researchers and doctoral students to receive grants: the "research stay", as defined in article L. 434-1 of the Research Code.

The eligibility criteria

The implementation of the agreement, the resident permit, the useful information.

The host person must sign a research stay agreement with the host institution, which sets out the terms and conditions of the funding and, in particular, the total amount of funding received by the host person (grant and any additional funding from the host establishment). The total amount determines the type of visa (talent passport or student visa).

By decision CA-2022-062 of 05 July 2022 , the Board of Governors of University Paris-Saclay approved the payment by the research units of monthly supplements to foreign students enrolled on a doctoral scholarship, up to a limit of 50% of the annual ceiling mentioned in article L.241-3 of the Social Security Code. This supplement does not constitute a salary.

The research residency agreement is processed by Maison du doctorat if the following conditions are met:  

• The doctoral student is the beneficiary of a scholarship awarded according to scientific criteria by a foreign government or institution or by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) .
• The doctoral student is registered at the University of Paris-Saclay (UPSaclay).
• The doctoral student is hosted by a laboratory for which UPSaclay employer is the host tutelle ( see the list of laboratories and contacts, coming soon ).

The doctoral student receives total funding at least equal to the minimum monthly remuneration for contractual doctoral students under public law, as defined by ministerial decree, in order to qualify for a Talent Passport visa (if not, he/she will only be eligible for a student visa).

The director of the research unit, the thesis supervisor and the doctoral student together complete the research stay agreement.

The requested documents are attached to the agreement by the doctoral student, the thesis supervisor and the director of the research unit.

The director of the research unit and the thesis director check the research stay agreement and the attached documents.  They endorse the document. 

The stamp should be placed on the last page of the document.

The document and attachments are sent to the doctoral school, which reviews and checks the information.

After approving the last page, the doctoral school forwards the agreement and attachments to Maison du Doctorat for checking and signature using this form.

The agreement is placed on the electronic platform for signature by the doctoral student and then by the Deputy Vice-President in charge of doctoral studies. A signed copy is then sent to the doctoral student and the doctoral school by Maison du doctorat.

The director of the research unit, the thesis supervisor and the doctoral student complete the hosting agreement (Cerfa no. 16079-03) on the basis of the signed research residence agreement and send it to the research administration department of the component to which the doctoral student's host laboratory belongs for signature, attaching the signed research residence agreement.

•     1. "Talent passport" mention

NB: The top-up does not constitute a salary. It may take the form of housing assistance or mission expenses.

However, it may not take the form of :

  Temporary remuneration. If the doctoral student works on an occasional basis, he/she is classed as a salaried researcher and is not covered by the research residency scheme.

Computer and office equipment purchases

Courses open automatically to doctoral students 

In order to apply for a visa , the doctoral student must provide the consular services with the hosting agreement (Cerfa n° 16079*03) signed jointly by the host establishment and the person concerned. The hosting agreement states that the doctoral student is being hosted under a research residence agreement in application of article L. 434-1 of the French Research Code.

One of the advantages of the "Passeport talent" permit is that it allows foreign doctoral students and researchers to travel with their families. In this case, family members can apply for a "Family Talent Passport".

    2. "Student" permit

If the beneficiary of the research residence permit does not meet the means test, he/she may apply for a "Student" visa or a long-stay visa for studies.

This "student" residence permit does not apply to family members, who may apply for a "visitor" visa. However, doctoral students are authorised to carry out a secondary activity, up to a limit of 60% of the annual working time.

NB: The maximum duration of the agreement is three years, renewable twice for a further year up to the duration of the funding.

• If you have any questions about this scheme, please contact the international PhD Axis of Maison du doctorat: [email protected]
• To learn more about this agreements, please consult the Campus France FAQ.

How to survive (and thrive in) your research stay abroad

During the course of your academic research you will most likely spend some time working in institutions other than the one where you are enrolled. Varying from two weeks up to a year in length, research stays or secondments are an opportunity to immerse yourself in a different academic and/or professional environment, whilst benefitting from resources, data and personal connections that are difficult or costly to access from your home institution. Even though they bring many advantages, research stays can put a lot of pressure in what already is a time-constrained project. So, how to make the most of it?

Know why you’re going

Before anything, you need to know the reason why a research stay is important to your research project in the first place. This is important in order to make the stay effective and worthwhile. Some objectives of a secondment can be access to data or fieldwork, engaging with a local network of academics, mentoring from 1-2 key people, quiet time to work on your data/writing, and many more. Either way, know exactly what you hope to gain first, and then…

Plan before-hand and schedule everything

A secondment is carried out with a purpose. You might be going to collect data on another case study or utilise particular facilities absent at your home institution. Whatever that goal is, make sure you plan your stay thoroughly before you go. This means booking meetings, rooms and/or interviews in advance, to make sure that you hit the ground running. As my research focuses on interview data, I found emailing everyone I wanted to meet at least two weeks before I arrived helped me make a quick progress on my case study.

Take advantage of the resources

There will be a panoply of resources available that you can benefit from at your host institution or near it. This can be something like a laboratory facility, conferences and seminars, and short-term courses in methods, languages or a particular useful subject to your research. It can also be a relevant academic you have been eager to meet. Whatever the case, make sure you look for these opportunities in preparation for your visit.

Engage with the locals

Closely related, you will have the opportunity to become a part of a new community. As with every new job, inserting yourself in a ‘click’ can be daunting, and no two research groups are, socially, the same. But the exciting prospect in this endeavour is exactly that. You will be able to meet people with different research subjects and methodological approaches which, for the commonly isolated PhD student, is greatly beneficial. Engaging will allow you to not just extend your personal and professional network, but also find collaboration opportunities. Moreover, getting to know a new place through the eyes of the ‘locals’ is one of the great goals of travelling, so make time not only to engage in professional networking but also social meet-ups and outings, cultural activities and the like. In the end, that’s what makes a research stay an integral life experience.

Get advice, often

Wandering physically far should not be an excuse to elude your supervisor (or, note to supervisors, your PhD student!). It is important to keep the flow of communication with your main institution supervisor so that neither of you feels lost or left out. This means scheduling periodical calls and frequent emails. Meanwhile, make sure to find and/or communicate to an advisor or champion at the host institution of your research stay. It is important to have someone to greet and support you, give you feedback and help plan your stay, and to help open local doors (to people, activities, etc.) that you may not even know about.

Find your rhythm again

Lastly, a new (work)place implies adaptation. You will face a different environment, people, schedules, tasks and expectations. It is especially difficult considering the limited timeframe of a secondment, and trust me, time goes by really fast. So, schedule what you can. But don’t stress over the unknown variables. Ultimately, a secondment or a research stay is a manner of exploration. If you find something didn’t go quite as planned, just adapt and find your rhythm again.

And what do you think can make a research stay more productive and enjoyable? Please share your experiences and thoughts to continue the discussion!

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Graduate School of Health

Research stay abroad.

The Graduate School of Health recommends that you go abroad for your research stay. Going abroad gives you the opportunity to make international contacts and gain new perspectives on your research The main purpose of your stay is to further your research, to experience a different research environment and to network within your field of research. When you become an active participant in the international research community you get scientific and cultural experiences valuable to your project and your career.

In the sections below, you can learn more about how to plan, finance and obtain ECTS credits during your stay abroad. 

How to plan a stay abroad

The world is your workplace – and the possibilities are many and different.

Some go on a clinical stay or on a research visit to learn techniques, collect data, or to see new types of patients or diseases. You can also teach or participate in courses. Others work on a publication or do desk research.

As a PhD student you do not have access to general exchange agreements. This means that you must arrange the stay yourself, but also that you have more freedom in planning (when, where, for how long, etc.).

If you want your research stay abroad to be your research environment change , please be aware that your stay should be at least one consecutive month (30 days). Please also be aware that participation in a conference or congress in connection with the research environment change (before, during, or after) is not included in the 30 days.

Reach out and network

Express your interest in going abroad to your supervisors, colleagues and people you meet at conferences and seminars.

Reach out to professors and institutions in your field and be open about your expectations and about what you can offer them in return (skills, contacts, knowledge). Network and use the supervisor’s and your own international contacts.

Begin planning in good time and use the resources available at Aarhus University and the host institution. International Academic Staff Service can help you with insurance, tax and social security and have checklists and country guides that you can use. It is also possible to book an advisory meeting about postings and grants. Your host institution will have accurate and local information on things like visa requirements and housing.

Do not forget to apply for financial support and ECTS credits from the Graduate School of Health. Find application forms in the right sidebar.

Protect your right to publish

When working with another institution on a research project it is a good idea to have a written agreement on who owns what data. You do not want your stay abroad to interfere with your right to publish your findings or to give a public defense.

If presented with a contract or agreement you should always contact the Technology Transfer Office before signing.

How to finance your stay abroad

PhD projects at the Graduate School of Health often take place in collaboration with other research institutions in Denmark and abroad. As a PhD student, you automatically become a member of these research environments. 

All PhD students enrolled at the Faculty of Health can apply the graduate school for financial support for going abroad (please note, the graduate school does not grant financial support to stays in Denmark).

The Graduate School supports:

• Longer stays abroad (duration of at least 30 consecutive days) – you can apply for a maximum of DKK 15,000 per month (from 1 January 2024) . This monthly maximum can be exceeded if you participate in a pre-approved external course . You can apply for up to and be granted max. DKK 90,000 in your enrolment period (from 1 January 2024) Please note , from 1 January 2021, stays must be at least 30 days in order to receive financial support from the graduate school.

How to apply

You may submit applications to the graduate school no later than 14 days before leaving for your stay abroad. Use the "Application form for funding to stay abroad" and submit it together with the an invitation from the host university/department.

Scan the application and enclosures into one pdf file and submit it to [email protected]

A grant from the graduate school requires that you are actively enrolled. This means that a grant has to be used in the enrolment period and before you hand in your dissertation. You cannot apply or use a grant if you are on leave from your PhD studies.  

Reimbursable expenses

The graduate school will be able to cover all verifiable expenses directly linked to the travel of the PhD student, e.g.:

• Return plane ticket
• Hotel/housing expenses at the destination
• Public transportation to and from the airport (in the host country)
• Attendance fees for conferences (during longer stays abroad)
• Materials for research conferences
• Material/equipment for experiments (if not available at the host institution and vital to conducting your research)
• Fees for participation in courses at PhD level and of relevance to the PhD project (during longer stays abroad). These external courses must be pre-approved by the course administration.
• Participation in courses offered in a formalised cooperation with universities abroad

NB! Travel expenses must be accounted for no later than 14 days after they have taken place . Expenses to e.g. plane tickets and accommodation can be reimbursed before your trip.     

Non reimbursable expenses

• Expenses usually covered by yourself cannot be reimbursed (e.g. food, laundry, daily transport, expenses related to accompanying family) 
• Travels in your own car
• Daily/hourly allowance is not given
• Insurances 

Additional financial support

There are also many foundations and medical societies as well as public institutions that offer travel grants to PhD students. Search online for current calls and use the Researcher Support Office’s database .

All AU-employed PhD students can apply their affiliated AU department for a credit card with a credit limit in relation to stays abroad. Read more about the policy for AU credit cards .

Information on travelling as an AU employee

If you need general information on travels as an employee at Aarhus University including how to create a profile in  RejsUd  (expense reimbursement) and CWT (travel booking), and Aarhus University’s travel policy, you can consult the  AU staff service page on travel booking and expense reimbursement

Find information about travel insurance and how to obtain a travel insurance card here . 

Allocation of ECTS credits in connection with studies abroad

PhD students can gain up to four ECTS credits for studies abroad, provided that the following conditions are met:

• You must submit a report on your experience with information about the time spent abroad and the academic content. Find report template in the right sidebar
• Students who have spent one to three months abroad can submit an experience report of max five pages and obtain two ECTS credits
• Students who have spent four to six months abroad can submit an experience report of max eight to ten pages and obtain four ECTS credits
• You must be willing to present your experience report or in some other way talk about your experience from the study period abroad in connection with the PhD day or in other relevant contexts, if requested by the graduate school
• The experience report must be submitted to the graduate school administration no later than three months after completion of the study period abroad
• The experience report must be approved by the graduate school management
• When approved and assigned ECTS, you upload the report and register ECTS in MyPhD

Allocation of ECTS credits for a study period abroad does not prevent you from obtaining ECTS credits for courses completed while abroad. Credits for such courses are subject to special application. For more info, see our page external courses .

Force majeure

What do I do in case of force majeure such as corona and the Ukraine crisis?

Can I go abroad on my research environment change?

The Graduate School is following the current travel guidelines from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please find more information regarding trips and stays abroad on the AU Corona-website and IAS' Ukraine Crisis website and stay informed via  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s guidelines for travelling abroad . 

The decision as to whether an employee may travel to an ‘orange’ country on business is up to the head of the department.

Special circumstances may apply for international PhD students travelling to or from Denmark. Please keep yourself updated on  the International Academic Staff Service (IAS) website . 

Should I come home from my stay abroad?

We want to encourage PhD students abroad to carefully consider their situation.

Please stay informed via the AU Corona-website , IAS' Ukraine Crisis website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s guidelines for travelling abroad . 

I have received financial support from the Graduate School for a research stay abroad, but my stay has to be postponed. Should I apply for funding again?

You do not need to submit a new application, just send us an e-mail with the new dates for your stay abroad.

I have prepaid for parts of my stay abroad (a deposit for rent, flight tickets etc.) that cannot be reimbursed

If you have received financial support from the Graduate School for a research stay abroad,lost deposits and flight tickets will be covered by the Graduate School of Health. 

Please contact the PhD administration via e-mail, [email protected] .

Relevant forms

• Report template – ECTS points for going abroad

Financial support:

• Application form for funding to stay abroad and/or courses ( remember to get the course(s) pre-approved before submitting your application for funding)
• Travel reimbursement form      

There are many foundations and medical societies as well as public institutions that offer travel grants to PhD students. Search online for current calls and use the Researcher Support Office’s database .

Resources at AU

Research abroad - all you need to know about visa, work- and residence permit, insurance coverage, research funding and expense coverage.

Research Stay

You have decided to absolve a research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology? A very good choice because Chemnitz University of Technology counts - measured by i.a. the acquired third-party funding per professorship - among the best research universities in Germany! In order to turn your research stay at our university as effective and beneficial as possible, we have compiled in the following a few organizational hints for you. Please pay special attention to the different regulations according to countries of origin.

Where can I find assistance and support?

Regarding all issues concerning the academic preparation and implementation of your research stay, the scientific supervisor of your research project at the respective professorship at Chemnitz University of Technology is your most important contact person. If you have organizational questions , you are welcome to address to the International Office . With regard to opportunities for financial support , there is a great number and variety of foundations and organizations which are funding research stays. You find further details by selecting the category " Funding opportunities ".

Professors and postdocs who are working at prominent positions at their home university and who would like to absolve a research stay within an already exisiting and proven collaboration with scientists of Chemnitz University of Technology in order to implement a joint research project have the opportunity to apply for being included in the " Visiting Scholar Program " of Chemnitz University of Technology which offers exclusive funding and support services for those kinds of specific research stays at Chemnitz University of Technology.

I come from an EU-/ EEA-country

According to Section 2 Freedom of Movement Act/ EU you do not need a visa for the entry to Germany neither a residence permit for the time of your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology. Though, in the case that you are staying longer than 90 days at Chemnitz, you are obliged to register at the Citizens' Registration Office (Meldebehörde) .

I come from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South-Korea, Switzerland or USA

You are entitled to enter Germany without a visa but after arrival you have got to apply at the Immigration Authority for a residence permit for the period of your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology. In this context, please read also the subsequent information for citizens from other countries of origin.

I come from another country

You are required a visa for entering Germany as well as - in the case that the period of your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology is longer than the period of validity of your visa - a residence permit. In this respect, please go through the following steps:

Step 1: Invitation letter of a professorship of Chemnitz University of Technology

For application for a visa for entering Germany for the purpose of a research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology, you will need an invitation letter of a professorship of Chemnitz University of Technology. This should include i.a. the following indications :

• Your surname, name, home university, status, nationality, date of birth and passport number
• Intended beginning and duration of your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology
• Topic of the research project and short description of your activities during the research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology
• Ensurance of the necessary framework conditions for the successful implementation of your research project by the professorship (provision of the necessary material and space resources; access to necessary infrastructure at the professorship/ faculty/ university etc.)
• Indications regarding the financing of the living and subsistence costs related to your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology (on your own, by funding, scholarship etc.)
• Indications regarding sufficient health insurance coverance for the period of your stay in Germany.

A draft of an invitation letter can be downloaded here which has then to be individually adapted, particularly at the parts marked yellow, to your respective research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology.

Step 2: Hosting Agreement of Chemnitz University of Technology

As next document you will need a hosting agreement of Chemnitz University of Technology for the time of your research stay for your application for a visa. For this purpose, please download the respective form and send it duly filled and signed, with pleasure as scan per email, to the International Office . Please attach the following documents:

• Duly filled hosting agreement form with your signature
• Signed invitation letter of the professorship of Chemnitz University of Technology
• Proof of the financial resources you have indicated in the Hosting Agreement for paying the costs of your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology
• Curriculum vitae , particularly regarding your scientific career
• Certificate of your latest academic degree.

The International Office checks your documents and sends you the signed hosting agreement (via email). In the case that the conclusion of a contract with a visiting researcher (see step 4) is necessary, the International Office gets the signature from the Department for Human Resources.

Step 3: Application for a visa

Step 4: Contract with a visiting researcher (if applicable)

In the case that you

• are a researcher who is employed at a university abroad,
• who comes for a limited period of time for a research stay at a professorship to Chemnitz University of Technology
• and who does not take up an employment at Chemnitz University of Technology (which means that you keep being employed at your home university also during your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology)

the conclusion of a Contract with a visiting researcher for the period of your research stay at Chemnitz University of Technology is necessary. Please proceed as follows:

• Download the respective forms from the website of the Department for Human Resources (personal information form and contract with a visiting researcher) and fill them in (the contract with a visiting researcher in duplicate)
• Sign the personal information sheet as well as the contract with a visiting researcher and ask also the professor at Chemnitz University of Technology who will supervise your research stay to sign as well
• Submit the forms together with a copy of your visa and the respective proofs of qualification (e.g. certificates of university degrees) at least two weeks before the beginning of your research stay to the Department for Human Resources.

In the case that you do not fulfill the conditions mentioned at the beginning (e.g. if you are coming for PhD-studies or for taking up an employment to Chemnitz University of Technology), no contract with a guest researcher needs to be concluded.

Step 5: Application for a residence permit (if applicable)

In the case that your visa is not valid during the whole period of your research stay at Germany resp. Chemnitz, you have to apply for a residence permit for the purpose of research at the Immigration Authority . For this, you will need i.a. the hosting agreement of Chemnitz University of Technology. A checklist of all documents to submit may be downloaded here . Please submit your application in due time before the expiration of your visa as the processing time may take several weeks.

Step 6: You can now begin your research activity at Chemnitz University of Technology. Welcome and have a successful research stay at our university!

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The Research Setting and Study Design

• First Online: 29 January 2019

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• David Ian Jeffrey 2  

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In this chapter, the choice of a phenomenological approach to explore the students’ views and to gain new understanding about empathy is justified. The medical school setting, curriculum, participants and study design are described. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was the innovative approach used to carry out the data analysis.

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Jeffrey, D.I. (2019). The Research Setting and Study Design. In: Exploring Empathy with Medical Students. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11211-0_2

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Study designs: Part 1 – An overview and classification

Priya ranganathan.

Department of Anaesthesiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Rakesh Aggarwal

1 Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

There are several types of research study designs, each with its inherent strengths and flaws. The study design used to answer a particular research question depends on the nature of the question and the availability of resources. In this article, which is the first part of a series on “study designs,” we provide an overview of research study designs and their classification. The subsequent articles will focus on individual designs.

INTRODUCTION

Research study design is a framework, or the set of methods and procedures used to collect and analyze data on variables specified in a particular research problem.

Research study designs are of many types, each with its advantages and limitations. The type of study design used to answer a particular research question is determined by the nature of question, the goal of research, and the availability of resources. Since the design of a study can affect the validity of its results, it is important to understand the different types of study designs and their strengths and limitations.

There are some terms that are used frequently while classifying study designs which are described in the following sections.

A variable represents a measurable attribute that varies across study units, for example, individual participants in a study, or at times even when measured in an individual person over time. Some examples of variables include age, sex, weight, height, health status, alive/dead, diseased/healthy, annual income, smoking yes/no, and treated/untreated.

Exposure (or intervention) and outcome variables

A large proportion of research studies assess the relationship between two variables. Here, the question is whether one variable is associated with or responsible for change in the value of the other variable. Exposure (or intervention) refers to the risk factor whose effect is being studied. It is also referred to as the independent or the predictor variable. The outcome (or predicted or dependent) variable develops as a consequence of the exposure (or intervention). Typically, the term “exposure” is used when the “causative” variable is naturally determined (as in observational studies – examples include age, sex, smoking, and educational status), and the term “intervention” is preferred where the researcher assigns some or all participants to receive a particular treatment for the purpose of the study (experimental studies – e.g., administration of a drug). If a drug had been started in some individuals but not in the others, before the study started, this counts as exposure, and not as intervention – since the drug was not started specifically for the study.

Observational versus interventional (or experimental) studies

Observational studies are those where the researcher is documenting a naturally occurring relationship between the exposure and the outcome that he/she is studying. The researcher does not do any active intervention in any individual, and the exposure has already been decided naturally or by some other factor. For example, looking at the incidence of lung cancer in smokers versus nonsmokers, or comparing the antenatal dietary habits of mothers with normal and low-birth babies. In these studies, the investigator did not play any role in determining the smoking or dietary habit in individuals.

For an exposure to determine the outcome, it must precede the latter. Any variable that occurs simultaneously with or following the outcome cannot be causative, and hence is not considered as an “exposure.”

Observational studies can be either descriptive (nonanalytical) or analytical (inferential) – this is discussed later in this article.

Interventional studies are experiments where the researcher actively performs an intervention in some or all members of a group of participants. This intervention could take many forms – for example, administration of a drug or vaccine, performance of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, and introduction of an educational tool. For example, a study could randomly assign persons to receive aspirin or placebo for a specific duration and assess the effect on the risk of developing cerebrovascular events.

Descriptive versus analytical studies

Descriptive (or nonanalytical) studies, as the name suggests, merely try to describe the data on one or more characteristics of a group of individuals. These do not try to answer questions or establish relationships between variables. Examples of descriptive studies include case reports, case series, and cross-sectional surveys (please note that cross-sectional surveys may be analytical studies as well – this will be discussed in the next article in this series). Examples of descriptive studies include a survey of dietary habits among pregnant women or a case series of patients with an unusual reaction to a drug.

Analytical studies attempt to test a hypothesis and establish causal relationships between variables. In these studies, the researcher assesses the effect of an exposure (or intervention) on an outcome. As described earlier, analytical studies can be observational (if the exposure is naturally determined) or interventional (if the researcher actively administers the intervention).

Directionality of study designs

Based on the direction of inquiry, study designs may be classified as forward-direction or backward-direction. In forward-direction studies, the researcher starts with determining the exposure to a risk factor and then assesses whether the outcome occurs at a future time point. This design is known as a cohort study. For example, a researcher can follow a group of smokers and a group of nonsmokers to determine the incidence of lung cancer in each. In backward-direction studies, the researcher begins by determining whether the outcome is present (cases vs. noncases [also called controls]) and then traces the presence of prior exposure to a risk factor. These are known as case–control studies. For example, a researcher identifies a group of normal-weight babies and a group of low-birth weight babies and then asks the mothers about their dietary habits during the index pregnancy.

Prospective versus retrospective study designs

The terms “prospective” and “retrospective” refer to the timing of the research in relation to the development of the outcome. In retrospective studies, the outcome of interest has already occurred (or not occurred – e.g., in controls) in each individual by the time s/he is enrolled, and the data are collected either from records or by asking participants to recall exposures. There is no follow-up of participants. By contrast, in prospective studies, the outcome (and sometimes even the exposure or intervention) has not occurred when the study starts and participants are followed up over a period of time to determine the occurrence of outcomes. Typically, most cohort studies are prospective studies (though there may be retrospective cohorts), whereas case–control studies are retrospective studies. An interventional study has to be, by definition, a prospective study since the investigator determines the exposure for each study participant and then follows them to observe outcomes.

The terms “prospective” versus “retrospective” studies can be confusing. Let us think of an investigator who starts a case–control study. To him/her, the process of enrolling cases and controls over a period of several months appears prospective. Hence, the use of these terms is best avoided. Or, at the very least, one must be clear that the terms relate to work flow for each individual study participant, and not to the study as a whole.

Classification of study designs

Figure 1 depicts a simple classification of research study designs. The Centre for Evidence-based Medicine has put forward a useful three-point algorithm which can help determine the design of a research study from its methods section:[ 1 ]

Classification of research study designs

• Does the study describe the characteristics of a sample or does it attempt to analyze (or draw inferences about) the relationship between two variables? – If no, then it is a descriptive study, and if yes, it is an analytical (inferential) study
• If analytical, did the investigator determine the exposure? – If no, it is an observational study, and if yes, it is an experimental study
• If observational, when was the outcome determined? – at the start of the study (case–control study), at the end of a period of follow-up (cohort study), or simultaneously (cross sectional).

In the next few pieces in the series, we will discuss various study designs in greater detail.

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Open Access

Ten simple rules for international short-term research stays

* E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliations Laboratory of NeuroPsychiatric Genetics, Biomedical Sciences Research Group, School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia, PhD Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia

Affiliation Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, United States of America

Affiliations Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Greece, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates

• Diego A. Forero, 
• Sandra Lopez-Leon, 
• George P. Patrinos

Published: December 7, 2017

• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005832
• Reader Comments

Citation: Forero DA, Lopez-Leon S, Patrinos GP (2017) Ten simple rules for international short-term research stays. PLoS Comput Biol 13(12): e1005832. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005832

Editor: Scott Markel, Dassault Systemes BIOVIA, UNITED STATES

Copyright: © 2017 Forero et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Funding: DAF has been supported by research grants from VCTI-UAN and Colciencias. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction

Because science is a global endeavor, international mobility is common among researchers and academics around the world [ 1 , 2 ]. Short-term research stays (from a few weeks to a few months), which do not involve a change of employer or affiliation, are the main form of international mobility [ 3 ]. This type of “brain circulation” [ 4 ] increases collaborations, creates networks, improves career prospects, facilitates the generation of high-impact publications, gives access to international funding, and nourishes ideas through exposure to different methods and scientific skills [ 5 – 7 ]. In this article, we present 10 simple rules for better and more productive experiences of international scientific mobility, which might be helpful for scientists in all stages of their careers, particularly for MSc and PhD students [ 8 ].

Rule 1: Select your host institution

The affinity in academic and research topics between the host and the guest laboratories is a priority [ 9 , 10 ]. Other affinities (e.g., nationality, language, or culture) come second. However, do take into account that countries with little mobility embrace diversity less easily [ 11 ]. Studies have shown that the main drivers of choosing a host institution are having an outstanding faculty or research team; the infrastructure and facilities; and the expertise, excellence, prestige, or high quality of the foreign institution in a certain area [ 11 – 13 ]. There are several ways of finding an adequate host. Simple ways are to send emails to authors who publish work in your field of interest, to ask supervisors and your network, or to attend short courses and conferences. In addition, you can search websites of universities, academic centers, regulatory agencies, and industry. Some scientific societies have a section in which possibilities for short stays are announced, and an industry posts their intern research positions in traditional job posting websites (e.g., indeed.com , linkedin.com , monster.com , experteer.com ). Contacting the international office of the host university would help with some administrative processes and for exploring additional options. In many cases, the administrative staff of the host department is quite helpful in supporting logistical aspects of the international visit.

Rule 2: Plan ahead carefully

Planning for a research stay abroad takes time in order to organize in advance the different aspects; namely, adequate time in the host institution, plane tickets, accommodation, visas, insurance and permissions, details of the experiments to be carried out, and rotations in other laboratories and/or centers, among others [ 9 , 14 ]. It is imperative that the necessary paperwork for the exchange student and/or staff be executed well in advance. Scientists should not leave their country before these documents are signed by both parties. All details (time, remuneration in certain cases, casualty and legal liability insurance, among others) should be laid out in the contract. This requires adequate coordination between the members of the host and guest laboratories and institutions. It is key to have a clear understanding of the timelines of the main regulatory processes required in the host institution, such as approval by the local research ethics committee.

Once you identify the host country, it is essential that you visit the website of the embassy and/or consulate in your location and that you contact the international office of your institution to find out the requirements and the time it takes to issue the required travel documents. In addition, the embassy should be able to provide extra information, such as sources for funding, and advise you if any (extra) vaccines are needed. Make sure your health insurance covers you in the host country; otherwise, get international insurance. If you are planning on driving, and your license is not valid in the host country, obtain an international driving license (usually valid for up to one year).

Rule 3: Define funding needs and sources for your research stay in advance

Obtaining funding for mobility is the biggest challenge for researchers [ 3 ]. Costs of reagents or the use of specialized equipment requires funding to cover those expenses, which might be charged to the host or the guest’s laboratory. Sometimes, this is covered by overheads available in host institutions as part of their research grants. In several cases, the results from a research stay become pilot data for future collaborative projects aimed at obtaining more funding [ 9 ]. If neither your institution nor the host institution provides funding, you can search for grants given by other institutions, include the international stay in your grant proposals, or consider saving and paying for your stay yourself. A survey of almost 9,000 PhD students found that more than 20% used personal savings to finance stays abroad [ 15 ].

Rule 4: Respect the organization of the host institution

There are differences between institutions in the way that departments are organized, and some of these differences might be amplified because of dissimilarities between countries (and more importantly, cultures). Respect for the organization of the host institution might facilitate an adequate development of the activities to be carried out by the guest scientist. Knowing details of the organization, structure, and dynamics of the host institution helps in the process of integrating the guest researcher. Before you travel, you can talk to several people working in the department and to past visiting researchers to understand what to expect.

During your stay, follow the wisdom of the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Do not take things for granted, and when in doubt, ask. Never share data from the organization with outside people and do not use materials and/or programs or analyze data without prior written authorization.

Rule 5: Be prepared for integration into the host laboratory

It is key that you look for a potential direct mentor or adviser (in several cases, it is a scientist different from the principal investigator [PI] of the host laboratory) who takes a key role in your constant supervision and academic support from an early moment. You are encouraged to attend laboratory meetings in advance of your stay—e.g., using videoconferencing tools—to have a better understanding of the dynamics of the host laboratory. You need to have a good understanding of the language of the country of the host laboratory to facilitate adequate communication with the other members. In some cases, English is the main option, but in several countries, other languages are needed. Integration into the host laboratory would facilitate the completion of key goals defined in advance of the research stay and an adequate reporting of findings and advances (e.g., presentations in laboratory and department meetings and preparation of manuscripts, among others).

Expanding your scientific knowledge is the priority. You should not see the international experience as merely a means to boost your resume or as a paid leisure trip. Leisure should be seen as secondary, and extra time should be set aside for it either by leaving some hours at the end of the workday or by adding extra days to your stay.

A key point for a successful research stay is that the scientific activities to be carried out at the host institution remain the main priority [ 10 , 11 , 14 ]. This means that there is a need (particularly for students) for an adequate articulation to the guest’s home laboratory of the activities to be carried out at the host institution. Take into account that part of the collaborative work can be finalized in your own country, so focus on the activities for which one needs to be physically present face-to-face—such as scientific discussions and the use of databases, computer programs, laboratory samples, materials, and instruments that can only be used at the host institution.

Rule 6: Define authorship and acknowledgments in advance for the products of your research stay

As with other type of collaborative endeavors, it is fundamental to define in advance the authorship of the possible publications and/or conferences resulting from the research stay. If authorship and conference presenters are not clarified beforehand, this usually leads to unpleasant situations between research groups and may lead to discontinuation of collaborations [ 9 ]. Take into account that guidelines for assigning authorship vary between fields; therefore, make sure to understand what to expect. Find out what the requirements are to be considered an author. Define who is going to be first author, how the order of the author list will be determined, and who is going to be the corresponding author. In some areas, being the last author means that you were the PI, while in others it means that you contributed the least. Although listing authors in order of involvement seems straightforward, a study showed that more than two-thirds of 919 corresponding authors disagreed with their coauthor order [ 16 ].

In addition to defining the authorship of publications and/or conference proceedings in advance, other types of acknowledgment of the collaborations are important [ 11 ], such as presentations in scientific events and in other types of documents (MSc and PhD thesis, final reports of projects, future grant applications, among others) [ 17 ].

Rule 7: Learn from the differences

In several cases, one of the most valuable experiences from international mobility is learning different styles of doing science [ 18 ]. It is also a good opportunity to practice other languages and to have an immersion in other cultures. Going to lectures or laboratory meetings and journal clubs is a great way to learn from the academic environment of the host institution.

Go with the mentality that you are the one who has to adapt to their culture and way of working; do not expect people to adapt to you. A good resource to understand the differences between your culture and the culture you are visiting is the book The Culture Map [ 19 ] and the series of interviews that Science published for international scientists ( http://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2011/08/international-mobility ). If the language and culture are completely different, then there may be benefits of having a cultural coach who can explain unfamiliar hierarchies, conflict management, and body language.

Rule 8: Try to resolve problems in an adequate way during your research stay

Inconveniences between research groups and/or members are frequent, and these conflicts might be of particular relevance in research stays of international guests [ 10 , 11 ]. An early identification of possible inconveniences is key in order to manage them in a transparent and cordial manner [ 9 ]. When dealing with other cultures, communication is essential because many of the problems arise because of misunderstandings. If something is bothering you, or if you expect something, say it. Let them know that you are open to their feedback and that you would like to know if there is something that was expected from you. Keep in mind that things that are obvious in your country may not be so in your host country; therefore, there is a need for you to be flexible and open-minded and to try to adapt as much as possible.

Rule 9: Explore other options for carrying out collaborations

The use of videoconferencing, file sharing services [ 20 ], and webinars facilitates some facets of international collaborations because these resources are less expensive and complex than international flights [ 21 ]. These strategies, which might save costs and personnel time and effort, might be of particular importance for researchers from resource-limited countries [ 22 ]. Consider collaborations with other sectors, including industry, contract research organizations, regulatory agencies, and other universities. Diverse teams that are able to complement each other often lead to the development of innovation and creativity [ 23 ].

Rule 10: You can be a host as well

Invite a researcher to your institution. Having an international researcher in your institution can bring the same advantages to the host and to the visitor, including collaborations, networks, and exposure to different methods and scientific skills; plus, visiting guests could give lectures and bring experience and new ideas into your laboratory or institution. Involve your supervisors, legal, and human resources in the idea from an early stage because they will be essential in helping with the paperwork and accommodations. When you write a research grant, you can consider including an international visitor.

Please note that every single rule and all advice given in this article can also be applied by the host researcher. Several of the rules are related to general aspects of scientific collaborations, but they have particular characteristics inherent to the dynamics of short-term international scientific mobility. The advancement of international communication and geographical mobility has made “brain circulation” accessible. However, when visiting research institutions abroad, there are many details that need to be taken into account that are easily missed. Therefore, these rules will be an essential source of guidance when planning your visit. Congratulations on your next international short stay; you will have one of the best experiences in your academic life.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the insights generated from a number of experiences in different countries and institutions and thank the help from Albert Ruiter in the revision of the manuscript.

• View Article
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• 13. Franzoni C, Scellato G, Stephan P (2015) International mobility of research scientists: Lessons from GlobSci. Global mobility of research scientists, the economics of who goes where and why, Amsterdam: Elsevier: 35–65.
• 19. Meyer E (2014) The culture map: Breaking through the invisible boundaries of global business: PublicAffairs.
• 23. Patrinos GP, Katsila T (2016) Pharmacogenomics education and research at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Greece. Pharmacogenomics.

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What is Research Methodology? Definition, Types, and Examples

Research methodology 1,2 is a structured and scientific approach used to collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative or qualitative data to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A research methodology is like a plan for carrying out research and helps keep researchers on track by limiting the scope of the research. Several aspects must be considered before selecting an appropriate research methodology, such as research limitations and ethical concerns that may affect your research.

The research methodology section in a scientific paper describes the different methodological choices made, such as the data collection and analysis methods, and why these choices were selected. The reasons should explain why the methods chosen are the most appropriate to answer the research question. A good research methodology also helps ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. There are three types of research methodology—quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method, which can be chosen based on the research objectives.

What is research methodology ?

A research methodology describes the techniques and procedures used to identify and analyze information regarding a specific research topic. It is a process by which researchers design their study so that they can achieve their objectives using the selected research instruments. It includes all the important aspects of research, including research design, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and the overall framework within which the research is conducted. While these points can help you understand what is research methodology, you also need to know why it is important to pick the right methodology.

Why is research methodology important?

Having a good research methodology in place has the following advantages: 3

• Helps other researchers who may want to replicate your research; the explanations will be of benefit to them.
• You can easily answer any questions about your research if they arise at a later stage.
• A research methodology provides a framework and guidelines for researchers to clearly define research questions, hypotheses, and objectives.
• It helps researchers identify the most appropriate research design, sampling technique, and data collection and analysis methods.
• A sound research methodology helps researchers ensure that their findings are valid and reliable and free from biases and errors.
• It also helps ensure that ethical guidelines are followed while conducting research.
• A good research methodology helps researchers in planning their research efficiently, by ensuring optimum usage of their time and resources.

Writing the methods section of a research paper? Let Paperpal help you achieve perfection

Types of research methodology.

There are three types of research methodology based on the type of research and the data required. 1

• Quantitative research methodology focuses on measuring and testing numerical data. This approach is good for reaching a large number of people in a short amount of time. This type of research helps in testing the causal relationships between variables, making predictions, and generalizing results to wider populations.
• Qualitative research methodology examines the opinions, behaviors, and experiences of people. It collects and analyzes words and textual data. This research methodology requires fewer participants but is still more time consuming because the time spent per participant is quite large. This method is used in exploratory research where the research problem being investigated is not clearly defined.
• Mixed-method research methodology uses the characteristics of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the same study. This method allows researchers to validate their findings, verify if the results observed using both methods are complementary, and explain any unexpected results obtained from one method by using the other method.

What are the types of sampling designs in research methodology?

Sampling 4 is an important part of a research methodology and involves selecting a representative sample of the population to conduct the study, making statistical inferences about them, and estimating the characteristics of the whole population based on these inferences. There are two types of sampling designs in research methodology—probability and nonprobability.

• Probability sampling

In this type of sampling design, a sample is chosen from a larger population using some form of random selection, that is, every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The different types of probability sampling are:

• Systematic —sample members are chosen at regular intervals. It requires selecting a starting point for the sample and sample size determination that can be repeated at regular intervals. This type of sampling method has a predefined range; hence, it is the least time consuming.
• Stratified —researchers divide the population into smaller groups that don’t overlap but represent the entire population. While sampling, these groups can be organized, and then a sample can be drawn from each group separately.
• Cluster —the population is divided into clusters based on demographic parameters like age, sex, location, etc.
• Convenience —selects participants who are most easily accessible to researchers due to geographical proximity, availability at a particular time, etc.
• Purposive —participants are selected at the researcher’s discretion. Researchers consider the purpose of the study and the understanding of the target audience.
• Snowball —already selected participants use their social networks to refer the researcher to other potential participants.
• Quota —while designing the study, the researchers decide how many people with which characteristics to include as participants. The characteristics help in choosing people most likely to provide insights into the subject.

What are data collection methods?

During research, data are collected using various methods depending on the research methodology being followed and the research methods being undertaken. Both qualitative and quantitative research have different data collection methods, as listed below.

Qualitative research 5

• One-on-one interviews: Helps the interviewers understand a respondent’s subjective opinion and experience pertaining to a specific topic or event
• Document study/literature review/record keeping: Researchers’ review of already existing written materials such as archives, annual reports, research articles, guidelines, policy documents, etc.
• Focus groups: Constructive discussions that usually include a small sample of about 6-10 people and a moderator, to understand the participants’ opinion on a given topic.
• Qualitative observation : Researchers collect data using their five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing).

Quantitative research 6

• Sampling: The most common type is probability sampling.
• Interviews: Commonly telephonic or done in-person.
• Observations: Structured observations are most commonly used in quantitative research. In this method, researchers make observations about specific behaviors of individuals in a structured setting.
• Document review: Reviewing existing research or documents to collect evidence for supporting the research.
• Surveys and questionnaires. Surveys can be administered both online and offline depending on the requirement and sample size.

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What are data analysis methods.

The data collected using the various methods for qualitative and quantitative research need to be analyzed to generate meaningful conclusions. These data analysis methods 7 also differ between quantitative and qualitative research.

Quantitative research involves a deductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed at the beginning of the research and precise measurement is required. The methods include statistical analysis applications to analyze numerical data and are grouped into two categories—descriptive and inferential.

Descriptive analysis is used to describe the basic features of different types of data to present it in a way that ensures the patterns become meaningful. The different types of descriptive analysis methods are:

• Measures of frequency (count, percent, frequency)
• Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
• Measures of dispersion or variation (range, variance, standard deviation)
• Measure of position (percentile ranks, quartile ranks)

Inferential analysis is used to make predictions about a larger population based on the analysis of the data collected from a smaller population. This analysis is used to study the relationships between different variables. Some commonly used inferential data analysis methods are:

• Correlation: To understand the relationship between two or more variables.
• Cross-tabulation: Analyze the relationship between multiple variables.
• Regression analysis: Study the impact of independent variables on the dependent variable.
• Frequency tables: To understand the frequency of data.
• Analysis of variance: To test the degree to which two or more variables differ in an experiment.

Qualitative research involves an inductive method for data analysis where hypotheses are developed after data collection. The methods include:

• Content analysis: For analyzing documented information from text and images by determining the presence of certain words or concepts in texts.
• Narrative analysis: For analyzing content obtained from sources such as interviews, field observations, and surveys. The stories and opinions shared by people are used to answer research questions.
• Discourse analysis: For analyzing interactions with people considering the social context, that is, the lifestyle and environment, under which the interaction occurs.
• Grounded theory: Involves hypothesis creation by data collection and analysis to explain why a phenomenon occurred.
• Thematic analysis: To identify important themes or patterns in data and use these to address an issue.

How to choose a research methodology?

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a research methodology: 8

• Research objectives, aims, and questions —these would help structure the research design.
• Review existing literature to identify any gaps in knowledge.
• Check the statistical requirements —if data-driven or statistical results are needed then quantitative research is the best. If the research questions can be answered based on people’s opinions and perceptions, then qualitative research is most suitable.
• Sample size —sample size can often determine the feasibility of a research methodology. For a large sample, less effort- and time-intensive methods are appropriate.
• Constraints —constraints of time, geography, and resources can help define the appropriate methodology.

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How to write a research methodology .

A research methodology should include the following components: 3,9

• Research design —should be selected based on the research question and the data required. Common research designs include experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, descriptive, and exploratory.
• Research method —this can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method.
• Reason for selecting a specific methodology —explain why this methodology is the most suitable to answer your research problem.
• Research instruments —explain the research instruments you plan to use, mainly referring to the data collection methods such as interviews, surveys, etc. Here as well, a reason should be mentioned for selecting the particular instrument.
• Sampling —this involves selecting a representative subset of the population being studied.
• Data collection —involves gathering data using several data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, etc.
• Data analysis —describe the data analysis methods you will use once you’ve collected the data.
• Research limitations —mention any limitations you foresee while conducting your research.
• Validity and reliability —validity helps identify the accuracy and truthfulness of the findings; reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the results over time and across different conditions.
• Ethical considerations —research should be conducted ethically. The considerations include obtaining consent from participants, maintaining confidentiality, and addressing conflicts of interest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the key components of research methodology?

A1. A good research methodology has the following key components:

• Research design
• Data collection procedures
• Data analysis methods
• Ethical considerations

Q2. Why is ethical consideration important in research methodology?

A2. Ethical consideration is important in research methodology to ensure the readers of the reliability and validity of the study. Researchers must clearly mention the ethical norms and standards followed during the conduct of the research and also mention if the research has been cleared by any institutional board. The following 10 points are the important principles related to ethical considerations: 10

• Participants should not be subjected to harm.
• Respect for the dignity of participants should be prioritized.
• Full consent should be obtained from participants before the study.
• Participants’ privacy should be ensured.
• Confidentiality of the research data should be ensured.
• Anonymity of individuals and organizations participating in the research should be maintained.
• The aims and objectives of the research should not be exaggerated.
• Affiliations, sources of funding, and any possible conflicts of interest should be declared.
• Communication in relation to the research should be honest and transparent.
• Misleading information and biased representation of primary data findings should be avoided.

Q3. What is the difference between methodology and method?

A3. Research methodology is different from a research method, although both terms are often confused. Research methods are the tools used to gather data, while the research methodology provides a framework for how research is planned, conducted, and analyzed. The latter guides researchers in making decisions about the most appropriate methods for their research. Research methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools used by researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret data, for instance surveys, questionnaires, interviews, etc.

Research methodology is, thus, an integral part of a research study. It helps ensure that you stay on track to meet your research objectives and answer your research questions using the most appropriate data collection and analysis tools based on your research design.

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• Research methodologies. Pfeiffer Library website. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://library.tiffin.edu/researchmethodologies/whatareresearchmethodologies
• Types of research methodology. Eduvoice website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://eduvoice.in/types-research-methodology/
• The basics of research methodology: A key to quality research. Voxco. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.voxco.com/blog/what-is-research-methodology/
• Sampling methods: Types with examples. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/types-of-sampling-for-social-research/
• What is qualitative research? Methods, types, approaches, examples. Researcher.Life blog. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-qualitative-research-methods-types-examples/
• What is quantitative research? Definition, methods, types, and examples. Researcher.Life blog. Accessed August 15, 2023. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples/
• Data analysis in research: Types & methods. QuestionPro website. Accessed August 16, 2023. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/data-analysis-in-research/#Data_analysis_in_qualitative_research
• Factors to consider while choosing the right research methodology. PhD Monster website. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://www.phdmonster.com/factors-to-consider-while-choosing-the-right-research-methodology/
• What is research methodology? Research and writing guides. Accessed August 14, 2023. https://paperpile.com/g/what-is-research-methodology/
• Ethical considerations. Business research methodology website. Accessed August 17, 2023. https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/ethical-considerations/

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What Research Says About Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

Pros and cons of staying at home.

• Changes Due to the Pandemic

Ask people what they think about stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) and stay-at-home dads (SAHDs) and you'll likely get a variety of answers. Some might say they've got it easy, or that life at home with the kids would be boring. Some might think they're lazy or not contributing much to society. Others contend that stay-at-home parents are making the best decision of their lives and that they're making a noble, worthwhile sacrifice to stay home and nurture their kids day in and day out.

If you're contemplating whether or not to be a stay-at-home parent, what matters most is what works best for your family. So, first and foremost, consider your personal beliefs, priorities, finances, and lifestyle. However, there is also a wealth of research on the subject that you can consult when making your decision. The findings on life as a stay-at-home parent may surprise you.

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

There are, of course, many personal reasons for or against staying home with your kids. Benefits may include being able to spend more time with your kids and having more direction over their learning and development. You may not want to miss a minute of their childhood. You also might not trust others to care for your little loves. Drawbacks include the big hit to your family's income and to the trajectory of your career as well as the big change to your lifestyle.

Each person's specific pros and cons and how they feel about them are unique. However, research shows that there are overarching pros and cons of being a stay-at-home parent that may apply overall to many. These key factors are supported by data gathered in research studies and may help you to decide whether you want to stay at home or return to the workplace.

While there is no right or wrong answer, this research may help inform your choice—not make it for you. Keep in mind that each of these benefits and drawbacks may or may not apply to you. There are many different factors, such as budget, lifestyle, priorities, social support, relationship status, spousal involvement, and your kids' specific needs, to take into account before making your final decision.

Increase in child's school performance

Child has less stress and aggression

Greater involvement in child's day-to-day life

Feeling good about the choice to stay home

Parents often desire to go back to work

Parents may have higher levels of sadness, depression, and anger

Social isolation for the parent

Loss of income

Evidence-Based Pros

There are many reasons that parents choose to stay at home with their children. Studies have shown that many people think this is the best option for kids when financially plausible. According to a Pew Research Center study, about 18% of American parents stayed home with their children in 2018.

According to Pew Research Center's Social and Demographic Trends, 60% of Americans say a child is better off with at least one parent at home. Another 35% said kids are just as well off with both parents working outside the home.

Kids Benefit at Every Age

A 2014 study found that the benefits of having a parent at home extend beyond the early years of a child's life. The study measured the educational performance of 68,000 children. Researchers found an increase in school performance all the way to high school-aged children. However, the biggest educational impact was on kids ages 6 and 7.

Most homeschoolers also have an at-home parent instructing them. A compilation of studies provided by the National Home Education Research Institute supports the benefits of a parent at home for educational reasons.

Some research has found homeschoolers generally score 15 to 30 percentile points above public school students on standardized tests and achieve above-average scores on the ACT and SAT tests.

Regardless of whether parents stay home or work outside the home, research shows that parent involvement in schools makes a difference in children's academic performance and how long they actually stay in school. And some kids with learning differences and/or special needs may do better in a school (vs. homeschooling) in order to access any required services.

Decreased Stress and Aggression in Kids

Some studies link childcare with increased behavioral problems and suggest that being at home with your children offers benefits to their development compared with them being in being in childcare full-time. This may be reassuring news for stay-at-home parents knee-deep in diapers and temper tantrums.

Studies have found that children who spend a large amount of their day in daycare experience high stress levels, particularly at times of transition, like drop-off and pick-up.

Subsequent studies also showed higher levels of stress in children in childcare settings compared with those who are cared for at home. But that doesn't mean you have to keep your children with you every minute until they're ready to go to school. Look for a Parent's Day Out or babysitting co-op that allows your kids to play with others while giving you some time alone.

Greater Control of Children's Upbringing

The ability to directly protect, spend time with, and nurture their children each day is often cited as a primary benefit of not working outside the home. Studies show that some parents stay home specifically with the purpose of having greater first-hand control over the influences their child is exposed to. Others simply see it as their duty to be the one who provides the daily care to their offspring.

More Parents Want to Stay Home

More people are becoming stay-at-home parents—and 60% of Americans believe that choice is best for children. The number of stay-at-home parents jumped from a low of 23% in 1999 to 29% in less than 15 years. However, today's rates don't match those of the 1970s and earlier when around 50% of women (and very few men) were stay-at-home parents.

While the number of men taking on this role is far lower than that of women (around 210,000 compared with over 5.2 million), the rate of men becoming stay-at-home dads is on an upswing, too. Between 2010 and 2014, the prevalence of men choosing to say home increased by 37%.

Evidence-Based Cons

Regardless of the increasing numbers and some important benefits, a decision to quit your job to become a stay-at-home parent shouldn't be made out of guilt or peer pressure. While there are many great reasons to be a stay-at-home parent, it's not necessarily right or beneficial (or financially plausible) for everyone. For some families, the drawbacks significantly outweigh any positives.

Many People Miss Working

Research shows that many stay-at-home parents miss working outside the home and think about going back to work someday. It can be tough to leave behind the tangible rewards and results of a job, especially one you enjoyed and were good at.

If you stay home when your kids are little but plan to return to the workforce, you can take some steps to bridge that employment gap, such as taking classes, earning licenses or certificates that enhance your resume, or even taking a part-time job. You might also consider at-home business opportunities as well as work-at-home jobs that let you stay home while also earning money and reclaiming some of what you missed about your career.

Costs to Career and Pocketbook

Clearly, the decision to stay at home with your kids means giving up income. Research shows that stay-at-home parents must contend with lost wages now and decreased wages when returning to work. This "wage penalty" often amounts to 40% less in earned income over time.

There is also a big hit to the stay-at-home parent's career trajectory. Some parents are able to regain their previous work roles upon reentering the workforce, while others struggle to get a foothold professionally after taking time off.

Clearly, the direct impact on your family's finances will depend on your personal earning potential, skills, and career choices—as well as the income of your partner, if you have one. However, studies show that mothers who reenter work after having children experience between a 5% and 10% pay gap compared with their childless peers. This is in addition to the pay gap between women and men.

Adverse Impacts on Physical and Mental Health

Studies show that stay-at-home parents experience poorer physical and mental health compared with parents who work outside the home. Effects include higher rates of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, as well as higher rates of chronic illness.

There are likely several reasons for this, including experiencing more parental and financial stress. Working parents tend to have access to more robust health insurance plans than stay-at-home parents. They also tend to benefit from greater self-worth, personal control over their life, economic security, and more dynamic socio-economic support.

Increased Sadness

Stay-at-home parents report feeling more depression, sadness, and anger than parents with jobs. A 2012 Gallup poll surveyed 60,000 women including women with no children, working moms, and stay-at-home moms who were or were not looking for work, and found more negative feelings among the SAHMs.

However, it's worth noting that significant research shows that whether they work outside the home or not, parents generally are less happy than their childless counterparts. Of course, the joy you personally get from parenting (and staying home with the kids) is likely to be highly individual.

More Social Isolation

A 2015 study found that many moms are spending lots of time with their kids, more so than in years past. Researchers believe this extra kid-focus results in a higher potential for social isolation. Interestingly, the research found no scientifically proven difference in outcomes for the children with this additional parental attention.

Some stay-at-home parents may feel isolated or undervalued by what some call the mommy wars , which pit parents against each other. This social dynamic can create perceived judgments or pressures that leave some stay-at-home parents feeling like they're not respected as worthy members of society. On the flip side, some working parents may feel criticized for not spending as much time with their children. Both groups can end up feeling socially isolated.

A 2021 study found that around a third of all parents experience loneliness. That's why it's so important for all parents (whether they stay at home or work outside the home) to find the right balance of social activities, exercise, sleep, hobbies, and self-care. Additionally, it's helpful to make the most of your family time, including creating gadget-free zones and planning fun activities you can all enjoy.

It's also key to take care of your own emotional well-being and let your children spend some time away from you. Whether it's a date night with your spouse or scheduling a day off so you can have some alone time, you're not going to shortchange your child because you didn't spend every minute with them. In fact, giving yourself parenting breaks and opportunities to socialize is important for your well-being, particularly during times of stress.

Life Changes Due to the Pandemic

Lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in closed offices and schools. This caused many working parents to either lose their jobs or switch to working from home. At the same time, parents needed to take on additional childcare duties and/or oversee their child's schooling . These radical, often overwhelming life shifts caused many working parents to reduce their hours or quit their jobs entirely and become de facto stay-at-home parents.

Research tells us that these shifts in work and parenting responsibilities affected working women more than men. These changes caused increased stress, burnout, and anxiety, as well as loss of income. Coping with the illness and death caused by COVID-19 also took a huge toll.

As the pandemic retreated, some parents chose to continue to stay home, while others returned to work, shifted to part-time jobs, changed careers, or started their own businesses. But some struggled to get back into the workforce.

The pandemic derailed or sidetracked careers, especially for women who bore the brunt of school and childcare closures. Many parents, especially moms, didn't have the opportunity to choose how to balance their work and life commitments. This lack of control can contribute to burnout and stress.

A Word From Verywell

Societal pressures make many parents feel like they can't win whether they're carrying a diaper bag or a briefcase all day. Whether you work or stay home, stop feeling like you're failing as a parent. There are trade-offs to every decision you make.

When it comes down to it, research is just research. Make a choice that's right for you and your family and don't worry about what strangers, neighbors, relatives, or scientists think. These findings can't tell you exactly what's going on in your family. Ultimately, honor what's best for you and your family—and note that these circumstances are highly individual and may change over time.

Nomaguchi K, Milkie MA. Parenthood and well-being: A decade in review .  J Marriage Fam . 2020;82(1):198-223. doi:10.1111/jomf.12646

Pew Research Center. Stay at home moms and dads account for about 1-in-5 U.S. parents .

Pew Research Center. After decades of decline, a rise in stay-at-home mothers .

Bettinger E, Hægeland T, Rege M. Home with mom: The effects of stay-at-home parents on children’s long-run educational outcomes .  J Labor Econ. 2014;32 ( 3):443-467. doi:10.1086/675070

National Home Education Research Institute. Research facts on homeschooling .

Lara L, Saracostti M. Effect of parental involvement on children’s academic achievement in chile .  Front Psychol.  2019;10:1464. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01464

Panagouli E, Stavridou A, Savvidi C, et al. School performance among children and adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review .  Children (Basel) . 2021;8(12):1134. doi:10.3390/children8121134

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NICHD study of early child care and youth development .

Nystad K, Drugli MB, Lydersen S, Lekhal R, Buøen ES. Toddlers’ stress during transition to childcare .  European Early Childhood Education Research Journal . 2021;29(2):157-182. DOI:10.1080/1350293X.2021.1895269

Bernard K, Peloso E, Laurenceau JP, Zhang Z, Dozier M. Examining change in cortisol patterns during the 10-week transition to a new child-care setting .  Child Dev . 2015;86(2):456-471. doi:10.1111/cdev.12304

Pew Research Center. 7 key findings about stay-at-home moms .

Rushing C, Sparks M. The mother's perspective: Factors considered when choosing to enter a stay-at-home father and working mother relationship .  Am J Mens Health . 2017;11(4):1260-1268. doi:10.1177/1557988317693347

Frech A, Damaske S. The relationships between mothers' work pathways and physical and mental health .  J Health Soc Behav . 2012;53(4):396-412. doi:10.1177/0022146512453929

Kahn JR, García-Manglano J, Bianchi SM. The motherhood penalty at midlife: Long-term effects of children on women's careers .  J Marriage Fam . 2014;76(1):56-72. doi:10.1111/jomf.12086

Genadek KR, Hill R. Parents' work schedules and time spent with children .  Community Work Fam . 2017;20(5):523-542. doi:10.1080/13668803.2017.1371672

Gallup. Stay-at-home moms report more depression, sadness, anger .

Glass J, Simon RW, Andersson MA. Parenthood and happiness: Effects of work-family reconciliation policies in 22 OECD countries .  AJS . 2016;122(3):886-929. doi:10.1086/688892

Milkie MA, Nomaguchi KM and Denny KE. Does the amount of time mothers spend with children or adolescents matter? . J Marriage Fam. 2015;77 (2):355-372. doi:10.1111/jomf.12170

Nowland R, Thomson G, McNally L, Smith T, Whittaker K. Experiencing loneliness in parenthood: A scoping review .  Perspect Public Health . 2021;141(4):214-225. doi:10.1177/17579139211018243

Coyne LW, Gould ER, Grimaldi M, Wilson KG, Baffuto G, Biglan A. First things first: Parent psychological flexibility and self-compassion during COVID-19.   Behav Anal Pract . 2020;14(4):1092-1098. doi:10.1007/s40617-020-00435-w

Croda E, Grossbard S. Women pay the price of COVID-19 more than men .  Rev Econ Househ . 2021;19(1):1-9. doi:10.1007/s11150-021-09549-8

By Apryl Duncan Apryl Duncan is a stay-at-home mom and internationally-published writer with years of experience providing advice to others like her.

College of Human Medicine

Walstrom family gift to msu supports women's health research, medical care.

May 17, 2024

Ward, a graduate of MSU, and Mari Margaret Walstrom, have long been engaged with MSU and its programs. Their gift stems from firsthand experience with the harm gaps in women’s health care knowledge can cause, as their daughter suffered years of undiagnosed health issues.

“Maybe this is just one little puzzle piece, to help solve the problem thousands of women across the world are experiencing: years of horrible pain with no answers or relief,” said Mari Margaret Walstrom. “We see this as a starting point to spare others from suffering...we have to start somewhere, to give women hope.”

The Walstrom Family Endowed Women’s Health Research Fund is creating an early-career training program to increase the number of scientists and clinicians pursuing a lifelong career focused on women’s health care and research.

“We are grateful for the support of Ward and Mari Margaret Walstrom, which will inspire the next generation of medical clinicians and researchers in women’s health,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “Their gift will provide greater access to resources and opportunities and will hasten the pace of bringing health innovation to improve women’s lives.”

The program pairs medical and graduate students with research teams and will support independent research projects. Four College of Human Medicine early-career graduate students, including one third-year medical student, were recently selected and awarded the funds; each will utilize the Walstroms’ financial support to push forward current research projects, which would not have been possible otherwise.

“It is our desire to support MSU’s research in women’s health, including causes and cures for pelvic pain, and potential relationships and effects of drugs suppressing the immune system,” Ward Walstrom added.

To help further engage the West Michigan and MSU communities in critical women’s health issues and challenges, the fund will also sponsor lectureships, symposia and presentations featuring national and international leaders in women’s health research.

“One in ten women are facing inflammatory pain and other uterine challenges, and the Walstroms’ commitment provides a path of inspiration for others to make a difference at the college,” said College of Human Medicine Dean Aron Sousa.

The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology was ranked number one in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023, according to a recent Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research Report.

Among 67 universities, the department has been in the top five of its peer institutions for many years and moved to the top spot last year.

For additional information on supporting women’s health at MSU, contact the College of Human Medicine Office of Advancement at [email protected] . 

LISTEN TO THREE SPARTANS DESCRIBE THE IMPACT THE GIFT WILL HAVE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH

By Sarah Enlow

New cardiac research will save women's lives by improving detection of heart failure

An important new study has advanced how heart failure is detected in women -- meaning more female patients can be diagnosed and at an earlier stage.

Researchers led by teams from the Universities of East Anglia (UEA), Sheffield and Leeds, have been able to fine-tune how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to detect heart failure in women's hearts, making it more accurate.

Lead author Dr Pankaj Garg, of the University of East Anglia's Norwich Medical School and a consultant cardiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: "By refining the method for women specifically, we were able to diagnose 16.5pc more females with heart failure.

"This could have huge impact in the NHS, which diagnoses around 200,000 patients with heart failure each year.

"This improved method will increase early detection, meaning more women can get life-saving treatment sooner."

In 2022, UEA and the University of Sheffield published research which showed how using MRI scans could be used to detect heart failure and which led to this technique being widely employed by medics.

When a heart starts to fail, it is unable to pump blood out effectively, and so the pressure in the heart rises.

Co-author Dr Gareth Matthews, of the University of East Anglia's Norwich Medical School, said: "Currently one of the best ways of diagnosing heart failure is to measure pressures inside the heart with a tube called a catheter.

"While this is very accurate, it is an invasive procedure, and therefore carries risks for patients, which limits its use.

"For this reason, doctors tend to use echocardiograms, which are based on ultrasound, to assess heart function, but this is inaccurate in up to 50 per cent of cases. Using MRI, we can get much more accurate images of how the heart is working."

The team was able to create an equation which allowed them to non-invasively derive the pressure in the heart using an MRI scanner.

However, previous use of this method wasn't as accurate as the researchers would have liked in diagnosing heart failure in women, especially in early or borderline disease.

Co-author Professor Andy Swift, of the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health, said: "Women's hearts are biologically different to men's.

"Our work suggests that in heart failure women's hearts may respond differently in response to increases in pressure."

Heart failure can be classed differently, depending on the amount of blood squeezed out of the main chamber of the heart with every beat, known as the heart's ejection fraction.

Women suffer disproportionately from a type of heart failure where the pumping function of the heart is preserved but the ability of the heart to relax and fill with blood is impaired.

Echocardiography really struggles to diagnose this type of heart failure. The improvements in diagnosis from this new work will enable more of this particular cohort to be diagnosed more accurately and hopefully drive better treatments.

Co-author Dr Peter Swoboda, of the University of Leeds' Faculty of Medicine and Health, said: "The symptoms of heart failure, like breathlessness and fatigue, can have a devastating effect on patients' quality of life.

"We are increasingly recognising the importance of early diagnosis and, early treatment can improve symptoms and life expectancy.

"This research will help diagnose heart failure in women more quickly and get them established on life-saving treatments sooner."

The Government's Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said: "Heart failure is a devastating condition affecting hundreds of thousands of women in the UK, so this research is a hugely positive development that could make it possible for thousands of people to get diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage.

"For the second year of our Women's Health Strategy for England, I have been clear that we need more research to look at the differences between how conditions affect men and women.

"I am delighted that this government-backed research has met this challenge so that we can get life-saving treatment to women faster."

The research was a collaboration between the University of East Anglia, the University of Leeds, the University of Sheffield, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the National Heart Research Institute Singapore, Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, Queen Mary University of London, the National Institute for Health and Care Research's Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, the University of Amsterdam and Kocaeli City Hospital in Turkey.

It was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, the Wellcome Trust, and the National Medical Research Council (NMRC).

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Materials provided by University of East Anglia . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Ciaran Grafton-Clarke, Gareth Matthews, Rui Li, Hosamadin Assadi, Peter Swoboda, Chris Sawh, Vassilios S Vassiliou, Andrew J Swift, Pankaj Garg. 32 Sex-specific cardiac magnetic resonance pulmonary capillary wedge pressure model predicts outcomes in heart failure: a multi-centre study . European Heart Journal Open , 2024 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2024-BSCMR.29

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Alerts in effect, field report, may 14, 2024.

  Rumor has it a climbing team has reached the summit in the past couple days, however readers will not see the statistics record that until the team walks into the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station for their expedition check-back interview,  Stay tuned... As of today, 440 park visitors have registered for adventures in the Alaska Range backcountry (peaks other than Denali or Foraker).  Of those, 82 are currently out enjoying the park, with 358 individuals who have come and gone.  

Mountain Weather  

I don't see any transmissions from Gabby this morning, but the drive in from Talkeetna suggests 'severe clear' conditions on Denali at all elevations today.  Weather station telemetry data from 7K and 14K are transmitted hourly to the MesoWest website, including temperatures, wind speed, wind direction, snowfall, and solar radiation.   MountainWeather.com compiles a Denali Weather page , complete with links to the MesoWest data, the NWS Denali Climbing Forecasts, as well as links to FAA webcams.  The National Weather Service publishes their mountain-specific forecast here:  Denali Climbing Forecast  

Conditions Reports

• Squirrel Hill remains super icy -- teams should be prepared to place protection if need be.
• Its been cold and windy in the 14,000-foot basin with sastrugi everywhere!
• The fixed lines are slowly being removed from ice that formed over the winter.   The 'up' line has been excavated. 
• The reports from above 14 camp say that the upper mountain remains icy with patches of firm snow.  Climbers should be prepared to place protection on the Denali Pass traverse, as early season climbers indicate that last season's pickets are intermittent or not at regular intervals.  The 16K ridge appears to have more consistent picket coverage.  

Wilderness Research Underway on Denali

Search and Rescue

A solo skier injured a knee on Saturday, May 11.  Although not a life-threatening injury in and of itself, the soloist was unable to descend from 11,000-foot camp under their own power.  Members of a ranger patrol at 11K assisted the patient with knee stabilization and pain medication, and the climber was evacuated from 11K by the NPS helicopter on Monday, May 13.      

Ranger Reports 

7K Patrol #1 (Bomba)    The first NPS basecamp patrol of the season flew onto the Kahiltna Glacier on Friday.  Led by Ranger Chelsea Bomba, the patrol made fast work of Basecamp construction thanks to the extended Taysom Family.  Bomba's four volunteers include Paramedic Lance Taysom on his (4th? 5th? 6th?) Denali patrol, his wife and fellow Paramedic Cami Taysom (on her 2nd? 3rd?) patrol, their daughter Jena Headley, and her husband Alex Headley.  Chelsea left the Basecamp patrol operations in the capable hands of the longtime volunteers today, flying down to Talkeetna to begin prepping for her own 14K patrol coming up next week.    

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Last updated: May 14, 2024

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John krasinski loses it all over again at ‘the office’ blooper of michael scott’s tiny plasma tv, breaking news.

• Cannes Gets In The FAST Lane As Research Shows Movies Pack A Big Punch On Free Streaming

By Stewart Clarke

Stewart Clarke

More stories by stewart.

• Toronto Film Festival Launching Official Market In 2026, Boosted By $17M Of Government Funding; Organizers Aim To Double Industry Attendance
• Annette Hess To Receive The Inaugural Deadline German TV Disruptor Award At Seriencamp; Cologne-Based Festival Also Beefs Up Streamer Presence, Adds Sessions On Queer Representation

Movies and movie channels are driving viewing on FAST services, a packed room at the Cannes Marché du Film heard today. Owners of movie libraries and IP stand to generate significant revenue from free streaming as the sector booms, the boss of Pluto TV , one of the leaders in the field told the Cannes audience.

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Rua Aguete shared new forecasts showing that global FAST ad revenues will top $6 billion this year and surpass $10 billion by 2028. Movie channels are the third biggest FAST category in the U.S., which is by some distance the biggest FAST market globally, she added. Paramount-owned Pluto TV one of the market leaders and Rua Aguete said six of Pluto TV’s top ten channels were movie offerings and cited Plum Research data that revealed film accounts for a whopping 43% of all viewing on the service.

Jollet used his Cannes moment to announce the launch of a German channel created with film recommendation site Moviepilot. The channel will be programmed with local and international films recommended by experts and fans. Rolling out in July, the launch line-up includes The Hours , Cloverfield , The Lookout and classics such as La Vita è Bella .

The Pluto topper also broke out the business model for the producers and content owners in the room – by and large it’s a revenue share. That’s a set-up content folks are often wary about. When quizzed about that Jollet unpacked the ad sales numbers. “In 2021 after only seven years after the founding of the company, we managed to become a billion-dollar advertising [revenue] business,” he said. “It was only $70 million when the company was acquired in 2019. When you think about that, and when you give 50% back to the licensers, that’s a lot of money back to the creators.”

“Getting fresh content, fresh movies into our portfolio is part of our mission… finding a new ways to get them, and shorter windows between VOD an FAST is the new world. It no longer needs to take two or three years for something to be available for free. And that’s going to, in the end, help [film] funding. If you take the full value chain of a movie, at some point of time FAST is going to bring a lot of revenue.”

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‘megalopolis’ director takes on movie biz future, trump.

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DAAD/Volker Lannert

A research stay in Germany can last from one month to several years and is usually tied to a specific research project and a collaborating institute.

It can enable you  to realise your own research project  at a university or a non-university research institute or may be organised within the framework of  an international partnership.

In any event, it will increase your experience and expand your horizons. These temporary research stays receive funding – especially within the framework of  international collaborations  and through the award of  prizes or grants .

This overview shows you which funding organisations support international guest researchers during their stay in Germany:

How do I find a host institution?

Short research visits or stays by international postdocs are basically possible at all universities and research institutions. The prerequisites are  contact with the host institution  and its willingness to accept the visiting researcher.

You can search for contact persons at German higher education institutions using our  overview of research organisations  or by using different databases:

Overviews and databases

Cooperation with a German university The German Rectors’ Conference offers a database containing information on over 35,000 international university partnerships with German higher education institutions.  www.international-university-partnerships.de

Research Institutions directory of 29,000 institutes – the German Research Institutions directory of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers details of 29,000 institutes at German universities and non-university research institutions searchable by geographical location, subject and other criteria. www.gerit.org

Overview of research organisations Where can I conduct research? Scientists and researchers are welcome guests and cooperation partners not only at universities, but also at non-university research institutes. More information

Can I receive financial support for my research stay?

German institutions have a great interest in international cooperation. Stays of international researchers in Germany are  funded with special research grants  irrespective of whether they involve visits to a non-university research facility, a German higher education institution or a research-oriented company. Here you will find more information:

Outstanding international postdoctoral scholars with good degrees, publications in prestigious specialist journals, relevant research experience and excellent research proposals can also receive support in the shape of fellowships and prizes.

Research funding in Germany is provided by government bodies, various organisations and foundations, including many of the large non-university research institutions, and industry.

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‘Forever chemicals’ found to rain down on all five Great Lakes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“The Ins and Outs of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Great Lakes: The Role of Atmospheric Deposition” Environmental Science & Technology

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” have become persistent pollutants in the air, water and soil. Because they are so stable, they can be transported throughout the water cycle, making their way into drinking water sources and precipitation. According to findings published in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology , precipitation introduces similar amounts of PFAS into each of the Great Lakes; however, the lakes eliminate the chemicals at different rates.

Consuming PFAS has been linked to negative health outcomes. And in April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated two forever chemicals — PFOS and PFOA — as hazardous substances, placing limits on their concentrations in drinking water. The Great Lakes are a major freshwater source for both the U.S. and Canada, and the EPA reports that the surrounding basin area is home to roughly 10% and 30% of each country’s population, respectively. Previous studies demonstrated that these lakes contain PFAS. But Marta Venier at Indiana University and colleagues from the U.S. and Canada wanted to understand where the compounds come from and where they go.

Between 2021 and 2022, 207 precipitation samples and 60 air samples were taken from five sites surrounding the Great Lakes in the U.S.: Chicago; Cleveland; Sturgeon Point, N.Y.; Eagle Harbor, Mich.; and Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mich. During the same period, 87 different water samples were collected from the five Great Lakes. The team analyzed all the samples for 41 types of PFAS and found:

• ·In precipitation samples, PFAS concentrations largely remained the same across sites, suggesting that the compounds are present at similar levels regardless of population density.
• In air samples, Cleveland had the highest median concentration of PFAS and Sleeping Bear Dunes the lowest, suggesting a strong connection between population density and airborne PFAS.
• In the lake water samples, the highest concentration of PFAS were in Lake Ontario, followed by Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
• ·The concentration of PFOS and PFOA in lake water decreased compared to data from previous studies as far back as 2005, but the concentration of a replacement PFAS known as PFBA remained high, suggesting that further regulation efforts may be needed.

The team calculated that airborne deposition from precipitation is primarily how PFAS get into the lakes, while they’re removed by sedimentation, attaching to particles as they settle to the lakebed or flowing out through connecting channels. Overall, their calculations showed that the northernmost lakes (Superior, Michigan and Huron) are generally accumulating PFAS. Further south, Lake Ontario is generally eliminating the compounds and levels in Lake Erie remain at a steady state. The researchers say that this work could help inform future actions and policies aimed at mitigating PFAS’ presence in the Great Lakes. 

The authors acknowledge funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes National Program Office.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News . ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive press releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org .

Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.

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Parking and Transportation

Fleet services newsletter, may 2024, wex card’s expire on 5/31 – time to pick-up your new card .

WEX fuel credit card swaps have been slow so far, we still have a lot of new cards to give out. If you have not yet picked up your new card please make a plan to do so. All you need to do is bring your old card to our office and we will swap it out. The current cards expire at the end of May. Cards can be exchanged Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

New Decals for University Healthcare Vehicles

As part of the  new branding initiative of UI Healthcare, Fleet Services will be updating the decals of all healthcare vehicles. The process began on May 6 th , is ongoing, and should be complete in the next 6 months. The plan is to swap for the new branded decals at each vehicle’s next service appointment. 

Who is Considered a Pedestrian in Iowa?

Current law in Iowa defines a pedestrian as a person specifically on foot and does not include people in wheelchairs, riding scooters/skateboarding, or cyclists. Lobbyists and advocacy groups like, AARP Iowa, and the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center pushed to make the language of the law more inclusive. Late last week Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new law that changes the meaning of a pedestrian. The new definition adds some language and now includes “ a person using a pedestrian conveyance”   in addition to a pedestrian on   foot. A pedestrian conveyance is any human-powered device a pedestrian may use to move or move another person. It also includes electric motored devices as long as they produce less than 750 watts. The bill goes into effect on July 1st.  Check out the full article from CBS .

Driving in a Tornado – How to Stay Safe

Never try to outrun a tornado. According to AccuWeather, tornados can travel very quickly and do not follow road patterns. If you are driving and a tornado develops it is best to try to find shelter in a sturdy building. When there is no shelter nearby, experts recommend staying in your car, secured using your seat belt, putting your head down below the window, and covering your head with your hands or a blanket if you have one. If you can safely get to a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine, basically lower than the roadway, then exit the car and lie down in the area and cover your head with your hands or use a protective covering like a blanket or tarp. Also avoid taking shelter under an overpass. The winds are higher in these openings and flying debris can still get to you. Check out the full article on tornado safety . 

Real ID – New Deadline to be Enforced

There is a new deadline for Real ID, it is now May 7, 2025. Just a little less than a year away. If you fly commercially or need access to federal facilities you will need a REAL ID or another federally approved ID like a passport. Take a look at the Iowa DOT’s info page . Please note, it can take up to 30 days to receive your REAL ID in the mail so plan ahead.

Fleet Services Severe Weather Protocol

When severe weather pops up and the sirens go off, we lock our doors and evacuate to the CAMBUS Maintenance Facility until we get the all-clear. If you have a reservation scheduled to pick up during a severe weather event, please call our office ahead of time. Our phones will be forwarded to a manager’s cell phone, and they will give you instructions to get your vehicle. We will also leave a sign on our door, so you know where we are.

Honest Mikes Used Cars

Vehicle sale season is on-going and we have a nice variety of vehicles at auction now and coming soon. Check out our GovDeals auction page to view what we currently have listed.

Fleet Factoid

According to Consumer Affairs, Louisiana is the state with the most incidents of road rage. To come up with their ranking, CA analyzed data on aggressive driving, rates of speeding/careless driving, tickets, accidents, fatalities, and traffic incidents involving gun violence, and assigned each state a “Road Rage” score. Iowa was ranked 39 th and New Hampshire was 50 th , having the nicest drivers. Check out the full article from Consumer Affairs .