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performed to validate the model or establish it as an acceptable approach to study the disease of interest. These studies can be time consuming and the new investigator is wise to use already established models of disease. However, the use of biochemical, cellular, and animal models in one’s research can produce a robust well-rounded research approach that leads to more mechanistic insights than using one model in isolation. Synergistic findings between the uses of multiple models will produce convincing evidence of a physiological event and help guide clinical trials that are likely to be successful. NEEDED RESOURCES Time Basic science research is intensive in its need for time, laboratory space, equipment, and personal resources. Foremost among these is time. Successful investigators typically devote a minimum of 75% of their time to their research. The most important and fundamental need of the new investigator is protected time from clinical duties and obligations. Some sections or departments may be willing to provide initial protected time, but these instances are exceedingly rare. In most instances, department or section chairs expect new faculty to “buy down” their clinical time with internal or external grants. This makes career development difficult for the new investigator because many institutions such as the NIH or private foundations are unwilling to give grants unless the investigator already has protected time or ample preliminary data (which is impossible to obtain without protected time). In many specialties, the solution has been to utilize research fellowships, which give the new investigator several years of secured protected time to develop their research publication portfolio and to apply for NIH or private research funding. At the end of the fellowship, the new investigator can then apply for an academic job with future funding likely. Research technician It is unrealistic to expect that the physician scientist will spend 100% of his or her time in the lab. However to be competitive, research requires 100% of effort. To achieve this, a physician scientist will eventually need a laboratory technician to help carry out the needed experiments. Lab space/equipment/animals The junior investigator will also need to have laboratory space and necessary equipment. The investigator’s mentor may initially provide this space. In return for space, equipment, and laboratory support, the mentor will have an investigator leading the publication of some articles they will be part of. Collaborations will need to be sought out to obtain CHAPTER 5 — KEY ISSUES IN BASIC SCIENCE EMERGENCY CARE RESEARCH 29 supplies or equipment not in the labs. Animal costs can be significant and require good planning and budget review. In addition to financial costs, time will be required to ensure adherence to animal care protocols and timely completion of required forms. FUNDING Finally, successful basic science research requires adequate funding to support the necessary resources to be successful as alluded to in the preceding sections. There are many potential sources for establishing funding. In the competitive research environment, the new investigator will have to perform a rigorous search of these funding opportunities. The largest and most obvious source of basic science funding is the federal government through agencies at the NIH and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Federal funding opportunities may also exist through other agencies at the Department of Defense. Private foundations also fund research in defined areas. As examples, the American Heart Association provides new investigator funding for cardiovascular research while the Ellison Medical Foundation provides funding for research in aging-related pathologies. For emergency physicians in particular, the Emergency Medicine Foundation funds new investigators. In addition, private industry such as pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufactures can be queried regarding funding opportunities. Funding opportunities or initiatives may also be available within one’s institution and should be explored through one’s department administrators. Finally, the solicitation of donations from patients, friends, and relatives can also be sought. There are many funding mechanisms through these agencies which have been listed in prior reviews (6). Grant writing is a skills set of its own and is discussed in more detail elsewhere (7). Funding through the NIH and/or the NSF however is regarded as the hallmarks of the successful investigator. Despite the many opportunities for funding, competition is fierce and the new investigator will need the full support of his or her mentor, department, and institution to be successful. TIPS TO SUCCESS The key components of success in basic science research include mentorship, a defined area of study, the use of relevant disease models, and appropriating the necessary resources, time, and funding for training and generation of preliminary data. Overall, there are seven general principles that the new investigator should follow in order to be successful. 1. Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm for your research will enhance the morale of your lab and increase your commitment to completing projects. It will also act to help “sell” your ideas to friends and colleagues. If you do not display enthusiasm regarding your research it will be hard to get others 

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