C. KENNETH AND DIANNE WRIGHT CENTER
FOR CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation

Research Navigation Hub:

Your Guide to the Wright Way to Do Clinical and Translational Research — at VCU and Beyond

 

"Note: This page is currently under construction. Content is being updated and expanded."

Do you need help getting unstuck?  

If you’re unsure where to start, or need help finding the right resources, our Research Navigator is here to assist.
Submit a brief Consultation Request Form to connect with a member of our team and get personalized guidance for your project.

Research Navigation

At the Wright Center, our Research Navigation services are designed to guide investigators through each stage of the research process. From developing an idea to closing out your study, we provide resources and personalized guidance to help you move forward with confidence. If you had any resources to add, please contact email cctr.vcu.edu.

Explore the phases below to find tailored tools, resources, and connections:

  • Getting Started – Establish the groundwork for your research journey with training, mentoring, and networking.
  • Step 1: Research Planning & Funding – Refine your research idea, assess feasibility, and identify funding and regulatory requirements.
  • Step 2: Study Start-Up – Prepare protocols, secure approvals, and establish your study team and budget.
  • Step 3: Conduct – Launch and manage your study with resources for recruitment, compliance, and operational oversight.
  • Step 4: Data Analysis & Closeout – Manage and analyze your data, complete reports, and finalize study closeout.

Our team is here to provide guidance every step of the way. Click a phase to explore resources and tools available to you.

Getting Started

Guidance to establish the groundwork for your research journey.

  • VCU Training
  • Finding a mentor
  • Networking

Step 1: Research Planning & Funding

Shaping Your Research Idea

Refine your concept, evaluate feasibility, and identify funding and regulatory needs. We provide guidance and tools to help your idea take shape.

 

Click this phase to explore the following tasks:

  • Explore Participant Availability
    • Find Existing Research & Gaps
    • Conduct a Literature Review
    • Engage with the Community
    • Develop Your Study Plan
    • Identify Clinical Research Facilities
    • Select Data Capture Tools
    • Draft Protocol
    • Recruitment Planning
    • Find Research Funding
    • Write Funding Proposals
    • Prepare Your Funding Proposal at VCU
    • Create a Budget

 

Step 2: Study Start-Up

Preparing to Launch Your Study

Set up protocols, secure approvals, and build your team and budget. We support you with resources and practical steps to get your study ready for execution.

Click this phase to explore the following tasks:

  • Obtain PROC Review Approval
  • Obtain Needed Ancillary Committee Reviews
  • Submit to the IRB and Ensure Compliance
  • Contracts & Agreements (Preaward and Award)

Step 3: Conduct

Executing Your Study

Stay compliant and on track as your study progresses. We offer hands-on support to troubleshoot, recruit, and ensure your data collection stays consistent.

Click this phase to explore the following tasks:
· Develop SOPs and Data Management Plans

  • Prepare Study Logs and Templates
  • Implement Data Management Plans
  • ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Tools to Support Study Conduct
  • Recruitment and Community Engagement
  • Follow Protocol
  • Manage Study Operations via Logs
  • Monitoring and Audits
  • Adverse Events & Safety Reporting

Step 4: Data Analysis & Closeout

Bringing It All Together

As your study concludes, this phase offers support for analyzing and sharing results, meeting reporting requirements, and planning future projects.

Click this phase to explore the following tasks:

  • Data Management – Data Analysis
  • IRB Compliance – Final Reports
  • Financial Closeout – Budget Reconciliation
  • gov (Results Reporting)
  • Record Retention (Post-Award)
  • Knowledge Sharing – Conference Presentations

Note: Some VCU departments and centers maintain their own research navigation and support resources. Investigators are encouraged to explore the options that best align with their research area: