This week introduces you to the core ideas behind research and the qualities of a good research question. Through short interviews with academics, you'll explore how research is defined, why it matters, and how questions can shape the direction and purpose of a project. Rather than settling on a single definition, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on shared principles like clarity, relevance, and systematic inquiry.

This week, we turn our attention to a key component of the research process: the literature review. But what exactly is it and why is it so important? A literature review is far more than a summary of books and articles. It’s your way of stepping into a scholarly conversation: listening to what others have said, identifying what’s missing, and beginning to shape your own voice in response. As several of this week's contributors suggest, it’s not just background reading, it’s the foundation of your research.

Building on what you’ve learned about research questions and literature, this week focuses on how to start shaping your project. You’ll explore different research approaches, consider how your choices affect your project design, and hear from academics about why planning and time management are key to doing research well.

This week marks a turning point in your research journey. Rather than revisiting your question alone, you'll now begin thinking like a researcher planning a full project. You'll consider how your question connects to wider issues, who your research might serve, and how to carry it out in a structured, ethical, and meaningful way. With reflections from experienced academics, you’ll draft the core elements of a research proposal, including your aim, rationale, and approach, while thinking about what makes research impactful, convincing, and worth doing.