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Developing RNS and the RNS Database�

TRB ANNUAL MEETING 2022, CRC COMMITTEE MEETING

EMILY PARKANY, RESEARCH MANAGER, VERMONT AGENCY OF TRANSPORTATION

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This presentation will concentrate on Developing Research Needs Statements (RNS) and the RNS Database��TRB committee “duties” include developing RNS

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Identify Research Needs….

  • CRCs working with Committee Chairs should solicit full committee input about your research needs
    • Hold meeting discussions?
    • Survey members and friends?
    • Consider funding sources
  • Think about research gaps! Relate to Committee’s TSP…
  • Consider other committees and sources of support/partners and their needs
  • Identify who can help develop Research Needs Statements
  • Develop Research Needs Statements

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Before WRITING a statement…

  • Is this a research gap?
  • Are there similar RNS or research reports?
  • Have you done a TRID search? Google search?
  • Who have you talked to?
  • You want a topic that has not been addressed adequately

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RNS vs RPS

  • Research Needs Statement vs Research Problem Statement
  • Funding sources (like NCHRP) need Research Problem Statements (RPS)
  • RPS need to be complete and probably follow a template
  • Research Needs Statements (RNS) can be more generic and get wider interest in the topic
  • RNS should be entered into the TRB RNS Database
  • RNS in database do not have to include all fields
  • But, if you have a RPS….submit it to the funding source AND enter it into the RNS Database

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Why Use the RNS Database?

  • Research is TRB’s middle name; it’s important!
  • Formalize your committee’s research needs
  • Keep up with needs related to your committee’s scope
  • Use it to assist in Triennial Strategic Planning
  • Increase the chances of funding your RNS
  • (“Findable” by researchers and potential partners)

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1460 Statements in TRB’s RNS Database!! (November 2021)

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Entering an RNS into TRB RNS Database is NOT the same as Submitting to a Funding Source

Submit to a funding source

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Keep talking to potential partners and drum up support for the idea

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Revisit the RNS:

    • Still timely?
    • Still a priority for your committee?
    • Revise/update or archive?

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RNS Development Resources

  • Go to the CRC website (Google TRB CRC)
  • Click on Resources
  • Click on Developing and Prioritizing RNS

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CRC Resources