Research - The Scholars
For those seeking to drive meaningful change through discovery and the creation of new knowledge
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Researchers develop foundational knowledge that drives progress and shapes the future
Students in the research track seek to answer critical questions that can inform solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. Questions like: What are the effects of increasing air pollution on education outcomes of children in polluted environments? What insights can be drawn from social media data to inform current social issues? By how much can telemedicine apps increase access to healthcare for marginalized communities? These are the types of inquiries that research-focused students explore, creating knowledge that serves as the cornerstone for innovation and actionable change.
Students will engage in rigorous investigation, synthesis, and analysis, contributing findings to their field and collaborating with innovators and entrepreneurs to apply research to real-world contexts. The final product for those pursuing research could be an academic paper, a research report, a policy recommendation, or an evidence-based framework. This track encourages the deep exploration of ideas and theories that drive long-term, impactful transformation, equipping students with the skills to work in academic, governmental, and organizational research environments.
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Inquiry
Discovery
Insight
How this track works - The basics
Students may apply to the research track already having a topic to explore in mind but we are well aware that ideas evolve and so do our interests. For this reason, we do not make it a requirement for the application to consist of a well-thought out idea for research, though you may indicate your areas of interest. The first two weeks of the program requires all students to engage in a general curriculum, specially developed to integrate principles from both the STEM and social sciences and applied to case studies covering a range of topics across several fields. This approach aims to enable students to view challenges through multiple lenses, bringing perspectives and approaches from different fields, to arrive at possible answers.
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Research Track FAQs
Can I apply as a team to the research track?
Yes, you may! Researchers collaborate and co-author all the time. If you share the same interest as another student and would like to collaborate on research, indicate so on the program's application. Please note that all members of a collaborating team must independently apply and be admitted to the program.
Will I be able to publish my research in an academic journal?
No program can guarantee that your research will be published in a legitimate and nonpredatory academic journal. Further, the 10-week program duration would make conducting substantial research aimed at journal publication nearly impossible. Instead, we prioritize publishing white papers which can be built upon, articles, and other publication forms on industry and field-respected platforms. The institute offers year-long fellowships that students can apply to following the Innovation & Society program, should they wish to build upon their research with the goal of academic publications, under the guidance of our faculty affiliates.