For general inquiries about our Research Design Studio, please contact:
- Rose Williams
- 1 (804) 828-5853
- cctr@vcu.edu
Click here to apply!
What Is A Research Design Studio?
A Research Design Studio is a facilitated consultation that brings together experts from multiple disciplines to provide focused, project-specific input during the early stages of research development. Studios are designed to help investigators clarify scientific direction, strengthen methodological approaches, and identify key considerations that support high-quality clinical and translational research. Design Studios are not intended to replace grant writing services, full proposal review, or standing committee approvals, and are not designed for projects that are already submission-ready. Design Studios are conducted in a confidential, collegial environment intended to support open scientific discussion.
Participation is offered at no cost and is intended to improve study readiness and competitiveness prior to submission or implementation.
Scheduling and Availability
Design Studios are offered twice monthly on the first Monday and third Friday from 12:00–1:30 PM. Requests should be submitted at least 4–6 weeks prior to the desired session date to allow for scheduling and panel coordination.
Benefits
Investigators who participate in a Design Studio receive:
- Collaborative feedback from experienced research experts
- Actionable guidance to strengthen scientific rigor and feasibility
- A written summary of key recommendations
- A recording of the session for future reference
Areas of Focus
Design Studio discussions may address topics such as:
- Development of testable hypotheses
- Refinement of specific aims and measurable outcomes
- Study design and methodological considerations
- Recruitment strategies and feasibility assessment
- Data analysis planning
Who Is Eligible
Design Studios are appropriate for investigators who are in the early to mid-development phase of a research project.
Eligible participants include:
- Faculty at any career stage (priority given to early-career investigators)
- Research Fellows
- Investigators must have an identified grant mechanism with a submission deadline at least six months away
- Shorter timelines may be permitted for internal grants
- Non-independent investigators must have a mentor or senior collaborator
Is a Research Design Studio the Right Fit?
Research Design Studios are intended for projects that are still being shaped and would benefit from early, multidisciplinary scientific input.
You may want to consider other Wright Center or university resources if your project is at a different stage. Click the title for more information:
OVPRI Grant Academy
If you are seeking structured grant writing training and longitudinal support to develop a competitive proposal over time, the Grant Academy offers guided instruction, peer feedback, and proposal development support.
Biostatistics Consultation
If your primary need is focused statistical or methodological input, investigators should request a biostatistics consultation through the dedicated biostatistics request process rather than a Design Studio.
Other Research Support Services
Investigators needing support related to recruitment, regulatory guidance, informatics, clinical research services, community engagement, funding strategy, or team science may benefit from a Wright Center consultation.
Mock Study Section
If you have a nearly complete NIH or federal R- or K-series application, including all major proposal components, a Wright Center Mock Study Section may be more appropriate. Mock Study Sections provide NIH-style peer review and scoring of complete applications to help investigators prepare for submission or resubmission.
If you are unsure which service best fits your needs, our Research Navigator can help guide you to the most appropriate resource before you apply via our Consultation Request Form.
How to Request a Design Studio
Research Design Studio Application
Applicants should be prepared to submit:
- A draft of the project’s specific aims
- A brief description of the type of feedback or assistance requested
- Names of potential experts to include in the discussion
- A letter of support from a mentor or senior collaborator, if applicable
Investigators may request more than one Design Studio over time; however, requests are reviewed based on readiness, scope, and program capacity.
Step 1: Application Review
Applications are reviewed within 1–2 business days. Based on readiness and scope, requests may be:
- Accepted
- Returned with a request for clarification or additional information
- Redirected to a more appropriate Wright Center service
Step 2: Pre-Design Studio Consultation
If accepted, you will be scheduled for a virtual 30-minute Pre-Design Studio consultation with the Design Studio Manager. This meeting is used to:
- Confirm that a Design Studio is the best fit for your needs
- Clarify goals and discussion priorities
- Refine the scope of expert feedback
- Identify or confirm needed expertise
- Review timelines and next steps
Following this consultation, you will receive preparatory materials, including:
- A PowerPoint presentation template
- A graphic organizer (vertical and/or horizontal versions)
- A biostatistical review checklist
Step 3: Scheduling and Preparation
After the Pre-Design Studio consultation:
- Experts are identified and invited
- Your Design Studio session is scheduled
- You will be notified of the confirmed date and panel
Materials are due one week prior to the Design Studio and include:
- Your completed presentation using the provided template
- An updated aims page
- 2–3 focused questions to guide expert discussion
Step 4: The Design Studio Session
Design Studios are virtual 90-minute, moderated sessions that include:
- Wright Center experts (e.g., biostatistics, informatics, community engagement, clinical research, as appropriate)
- 2–3 scientific or content experts
- A designated moderator who facilitates structured discussion
Feedback is structured to address scientific rigor, feasibility, and key design considerations. Sessions are recorded for your reference. Sessions are recorded, and all experts review materials in advance.
Step 5: Follow-Up and Next Steps
Within 14 days of the session, you will receive:
- A consolidated written summary of expert recommendations
- The recording of your Design Studio
- Supplemental resources, as appropriate
You will also be asked to complete brief post-Studio evaluation surveys. Experts participating in the session receive a separate brief evaluation to support quality improvement.
Experts
The Wright Center welcomes faculty and research professionals with demonstrated expertise who are interested in serving as Research Design Studio experts. Experts play a critical role in strengthening the scientific rigor, feasibility, and impact of clinical and translational research projects.
Design Studio experts are selected based on demonstrated experience and subject-matter expertise.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Prior NIH or equivalent federal funding
- Specialized knowledge in the relevant scientific, clinical, or methodological domain
- Experience reviewing or developing competitive research proposals
- Familiarity with clinical and translational research processes
- Experts are matched to projects based on alignment between expertise and the investigator’s research focus.
Email cctr@vcu.edu to express interest in becoming an expert and include:
- Name, academic title, and institutional affiliation
- Primary field(s) of expertise and specialized methodological, clinical, or scientific focus areas
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- If a CV is not provided, please include a brief written summary addressing the following:
- Relevant research experience
- Prior NIH or equivalent federal funding history (mechanism and role, as applicable)
- Experience reviewing or developing competitive grant applications (e.g., NIH study sections, internal reviews)
- If a CV is not provided, please include a brief written summary addressing the following:
Experts are invited to participate based on project relevance, expertise match, and availability.
What Experts Can Expect
Experts participating in a Research Design Studio can expect the following:
Advance preparation materials
Experts receive project materials approximately one week prior to the Design Studio to allow adequate time for review.
Preparation time
Preparation typically requires 60–90 minutes, including review of materials and completion of the Expert Comment Form.
Expert Comment Form
Experts are provided with a standardized Expert Comment Form to:
- Submit initial written feedback prior to the session
- Capture notes during the Design Studio discussion
- Support structured moderation and post-Studio reporting
Completed forms are requested two days prior to the Design Studio.
Participation in a moderated session
Experts take part in a 90-minute, facilitated discussion, led by a designated moderator and focused on providing constructive, actionable feedback.
Contribution to program quality
Expert feedback supports both investigator outcomes and ongoing program evaluation and improvement.