Carnegie Mellon University

Research Statements

Download PDF Handout: Writing a Research Statement

Academic job applicants are often expected to submit a research statement, a one to three page document that describes the applicant’s research trajectory. A research statement is  just one of a number of documents that describe your academic career. Keep the spotlight on your ideas — not on you as a person.

This handout will help you:

  • Show that you can take on independent research;
  • Demonstrate your writing skills, independence as a researcher, and ability to earn grant money;
  • State your short-term and long-term research goals;
  • Understand the visual design principles that will guide readers through your story.
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