2. +
The notion that geniuses go away
and think up one great idea is
absurd.
n
Remember that Thomas Edison was famous for running
thousands of experiments of his ideas before he and his
team came up with a working light bulb.
n
Therefore, you need to create an environment where
people are given the opportunity to:
n
Brainstorm, vet, champion ideas and projects that may fail
and yet not punish them for failing.
4. +
Research “Misunderstanding”
n
How Long Does It Take?
n
What’s the Difference Between Masters and PhD?
n
Why Problem Definition Takes A Long Time?
n
How Do We Manage Researchers?
n
Why “Research” Approach is Different From
“Development”?
n
What are the characteristics of a Good Researcher?
5. +
Scientific Definition of
“Research”
n
The strict definition of scientific research is performing a methodical
study in order to prove a hypothesis or answer a specific question.
n
Finding a definitive answer is the central goal of any experimental
process.
n
Research must be systematic and follow a series of steps and a rigid
standard protocol. These rules are broadly similar but may vary
slightly between the different fields of science.
n
Scientific research must be organized and undergo planning,
including performing literature reviews of past research and
evaluating what questions need to be answered.
n
Any type of ‘real’ research, whether scientific, economic or
historical, requires some kind of interpretation and an opinion from
the researcher. This opinion is the underlying principle, or question,
that establishes the nature and type of experiment.
6. +
What is BASIC Research?
•
Basic research also known as fundamental or
pure research is driven by a scientist’s curiosity
or interest in a question. The main motivation of
this type of research is:• To expand man’s knowledge of the world
and not to invent or create something new.
• There is no obvious commercial value in
research of this type.
7. +
What is BASIC Research?
n
Basic science research includes answers to such questions
as:
•
•
How did the universe begin?
How has man evolved over time?
•
How does genetic code determine who we are?
What is the specific genetic code of an earth worm?
•
What are protons, neutrons and electrons made of?
•
8. +
What is APPLIED Research?
Applied research is designed to the practical
problems that exist in the modern world, rather
than to just acquire knowledge for knowledge’s
sake. One main goal of applied science is to
improve human conditions and make the world a
better place.
9. +
What is APPLIED Research?
Applied science may investigate ways to:
•
improve agricultural crop production
•
get better network throughput
•
find alternative routing solutions
•
treat or cure a specific disease
•
improve the energy efficiency of homes
10. What’s the Difference
Between Degree,
Masters and PhD’s
Work?
[Source: “The Illustrated Guide to a PhD” by Matt Might]
23. Activity
Detail Tasks
Timeframe
Establish
Context
Literature Review
Problem Definition
Scope of Research
3-6 months
(MSc-PhD)
Select &
Design
Methods
Mathematical Modeling
Simulation
Experimental
3-6 months
Undertake
Research
New mathematical theory
New programming language
New simulation tool
Acquisition and trials test-bed
3-6 months
Analysis &
Validation
Testing of Model
6-12 months
Create Output
Thesis
Technical report
3-6 months
Review &
Evaluate
Publication
Conference
VIVA
< 3 months
Note: On average = Masters (2 years to complete) and PhD (3-6 years to complete)
24. How To Choose a
Good Scientific
Problem?
[Excerpts from the Article “How To Choose a Good Scientific Problem” by Uri Alon]
25. Choosing good problem is essential for
being a good researcher.
But what is a good problem, and how
do you choose one?
28. +
Take Your Time
•
A common mistake made in choosing problems is taking
the first problem that comes to mind.
•
Since a typical project takes years even it if seems
doable in months, rapid choice leads to much frustration
and bitterness in our profession.
•
It takes time to find a good problem, and every week
spent in choosing one can save months or years later on.
29. +
Take Your Time
In my lab, we have a rule for new students and postdocs:
Do not commit to a problem before 3 months have elapsed.
In these 3 months the new student or postdoc reads,
discusses, and plans.
The state of mind is focused on being rather than doing.
The temptation to start working arises, but a rule is a rule.
After 3 months (or more), a celebration marks the beginning
of the research phase—with a well-planned project.
Taking time is not always easy. One must be supported to
resist the urge: ‘‘Oh, we must produce—let’s not waste time,
and start working.’’
30. +
The Subjectivity of the Interest
Axis
•
Who decides how to rank the interest of problems?
•
One of the fundamental aspects of science is that the
interest of a problem is subjective and personal.
•
The inner voice can be strengthened and guided if one
is lucky enough to have caring mentors.
•
A scientist often needs a supportive environment to
begin to listen to this voice.
31. +
The Subjectivity of the Interest
Axis
n
Good test:
n
One way to help listening to the inner voice is to ask: ‘‘If I was
the only person on earth, which of these problems would I
work on?’’ An honest answer can help minimize compromises.
n
Another good sign of the inner voice are ideas and
questions that come back again and again to your mind
for months or years.
n
Another good test:
n
n
When asked to describe our research to an acquaintance,
how does it feel to describe each project?
In science, the more you interest yourself, the larger the
probability that you will interest your audience.
32. +
The Objective and Nurturing
Schemas of Research
The mentors’ task is to support students through the cloud that seems to
guard the entry into the unknown. And, with this schema, we have more
space to see that problem C exists and may be more worthwhile than
continuing to plod toward B.
“Sailing into the unknown again and again takes courage”
39. +
Why Do We Need Degree,
Masters and PhD Interns?
Support testbed setup
Simple experiment and Data Collection
Some simple application programming
Degree
Support experimental work (advanced)
Simulation to proof the concept/ideas
Masters
Mathematical modeling
Develop Simulation model
Co-generate and test new ideas
PhD
41. +
Researchers Expectations
Breathing space
•
•
Need time to think to be creative.
Always “Fresh” in new research area
•
•
Knowledge always starts anew in every project.
Killing Knowledge
•
•
We can kill a Product or Project but be careful in
killing a “Research” since it will “wipe out”
knowledge.
Quest for Knowledge
•
•
Never ending journey to the Frontiers of Knowledge
Finding new challenges
•
Recognition in their area of expertise
•
42. Failure doesn't mean you are a failure... it
just means you haven't succeeded yet
43. Light At the End of The Tunnel
PhD is not all about the novelty achieved but it’s the
Systematic Process of Doing Research that’s the utmost
important.
“Research” Working with the “Unknown”
“Development” Working with “Known”
45. +
Valley of Appreciation
Viewing Angle
Application Layer
Presentation Layer
Session Layer
Transport Layer
Network Layer
Data Link Layer
Physical Layer
46. How Deep to Explore?
“Breadth” or “Depth” of Research
51. +
Research to Development Value
Chain
Stage
Activities ~ %
S
R
100
0
Applied
Research
AR
80
20
Advanced
Technolog
y
Product
Development
AT
50
50
PD
10
90
Maintenance
M
0
100
Development
(D)
Risk increases
Research
E
52. +
Summary - Characteristics of
Great Researchers
Curiosity
Integrity
Characteristics
of Great
Researchers
Organization
Communication
