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I remember the first time I ever considered niche research. I was taking a biology course, and one of my fellow students said to me, “It’s not easy to become the world’s preeminent biologist or even marine biologist. You might not become the world’s go-to expert on, let’s say, squid. But becoming the expert on one species of squid—that’s an obtainable goal.”
It is that devoted effort to scientific niches that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries. But the researchers behind those advances need more than just knowledge and acclaim—they need funding, too.
Securing funding for niche projects can be challenging for a variety of reasons, including the limited availability of scientific funding, fierce competition for resources, lack of public awareness, or a perception of irrelevancy.
Below, we will consider practical steps for overcoming these challenges. Among them, we’ll look at how to include publications in your resume and how to leverage social media to raise public awareness.
Finding your niche can help you achieve a lot in your field of expertise. It can help you overcome challenges to funding your research, and the following tips can help.
There are many grants and private donors that support scientific research. However, many of these are already tied to existing projects or fields of study. Only a limited number focus on discovering worthy niches, and it can be a challenge to redirect funds already flowing into some other aspect of your field. Funders often seek projects with a broad impact or commercial applications.
When researching grants and opportunities, start with those most closely related to your work. Don’t apply to just a few grants; make it a goal to apply to at least one per week until your funding goals are met. Attend industry events and network, in person and online, with potential donors. Tell them about your work. Your passion and enthusiasm may tip the scales in your favor.
As mentioned above, lots of new and existing projects are vying for the same funding. You will need a strong proposal in order to compete. Clearly articulate the importance of your work, its potential impact, and any results already gained.
Don’t forget to sell yourself through a strong resume as well. Including a publications section on your resume can be especially vital. If you haven’t published anything yet, look for respected websites or blogs to guest post on. Then, work towards larger works such as books and scientific papers.
People are often skeptical about unfamiliar things. This can lead them to see niche research as irrelevant. As mentioned above, many people tend to support projects they perceive as having the most impact. For example, finding a cure for cancer may seem more relevant than researching a very rare condition that affects only a handful of people.
We mentioned the importance of networking above; here, it cannot be stressed enough. Get to know other researchers and potential donors. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for endorsements of your work when needed.
People can’t support what they don’t know about. Well-meaning donors will put their money to work elsewhere if they aren’t aware of your research or the benefits it could provide.
Consider an example. The axolotl is a critically endangered species of salamander. Today, its smiling face ringed with pink, feathery gills is social media famous, but that hasn’t always been the case. At one time, only residents of, and travelers to, Mexico’s Lakes Chalco and Xochimilco had ever heard of the cute creature.
In the early 2000s, scientists made a concerted effort to educate members of local communities about the axolotl. Local farmers were trained and encouraged to create floating gardens as part of a sustainable agricultural method that also created axolotl habitat. Boat owners who were already part of the tourist industry became tour guides for axolotl aficionados. The tourism around the animals educated travelers in turn. That tourism increased greatly in recent years due to the axolotl’s appearance on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and in the video game Minecraft.
Though they are not out of the woods yet, axolotl populations have increased in recent years. So has support for programs designed to study them and conserve their habitat.
The lesson? Connect with the public. Find ways to make your findings both fun and digestible. Don’t be afraid to play the part of the scientist on social media. Talk to people you meet. Write articles or blog posts. Speak at conferences and events. Advocate for your niche wherever and whenever possible.
Funding for niche research may be hard to come by, but it is not impossible. Research and apply to as many grants as possible. Craft strong proposals and resumes. Network with donors and fellow researchers; don’t be afraid to leverage those relationships when needed. Connect with the public and let them know what you’re doing through your writing, appearances, and social media.
When you do these things, you will soon find that others are as excited to support your work as you are.