Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a student, an educational consultant, or a parent? Select your role below to find answers tailored just for you.
FAQs from Students
What is a good way to get started if I'm not sure yet if I like research?
The best first step is to explore your interests before committing to a long-term research project. Our Find Your Passion (FYP) program is designed specifically for students in this stage. Over three weeks, you'll explore potential research areas, learn how to develop a strong research question, and receive personalized feedback from experienced mentors. By the end of the program, you'll have a clearer understanding of whether research is a good fit for you and what your next steps could be.
Can I receive a recommendation letter after completing the program?
Yes. Recommendation letters may be available upon request, but they are based on your performance throughout the program.
Will I meet with the Principal Investigator (PI) during every session of my Introduction to Research program?
No. During the Introduction to Research program, you will meet with the Principal Investigator (PI) during three scheduled sessions. While your Research Mentor will guide you through the weekly meetings, the PI oversees the entire research project, reviews your progress, and provides feedback at key milestones to help ensure a high-quality learning experience.
Can I publish my literature review?
In most cases, we do not recommend publishing a literature review on its own. Our goal is to help students produce research that is suitable for publication in reputable, peer-reviewed, impact-factor-rated journals, which typically prioritize original research over standalone literature reviews. If you are considering submitting your work for publication, you must first obtain approval from both your Principal Investigator (PI) and Research Mentor to ensure the manuscript is appropriate for submission and meets publication standards.
Can I publish my research after just one Research Assistant term?
Publishing research after a single Research Assistant term is possible but uncommon. Projects involving original data collection often require additional time because data must first be collected, analyzed, and interpreted before a scientific manuscript can be prepared. Our priority is producing high-quality research that is ready for submission to a peer-reviewed journal rather than rushing the publication process. Students seeking a faster analysis path may consider Research Assistant – Existing Data.
FAQs from
Educational
Consultants
How do students choose their Principal Investigator (PI) at IRI?
The process depends on the program. For our Introduction to Research programs, IRI reviews each student's application and essay to match them with a Principal Investigator (PI) whose expertise best aligns with their academic interests. For our Research Assistant programs, students have the opportunity to interview prospective PIs before selecting the faculty member they would like to work with. This allows students to choose a research mentor whose expertise, mentoring style, and research interests best support their academic and career goals.
How are remote research labs organized? Will my student only be meeting with a single mentor?
Research labs are typically led by a Principal Investigator (PI) and may include postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, master's students, undergraduate researchers, and high school students. At IRI, students receive mentorship from both the PI and an experienced research mentor, such as a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher. Students meet with their research mentor weekly for personalized guidance while the PI oversees the project, provides feedback, and meets with students at key milestones. This team-based mentoring approach reflects how research is conducted at leading universities.
How are students matched with research mentors at IRI?
Students in our Research Assistant programs interview potential Principal Investigators (PIs) before selecting the mentor they believe is the best fit. Because these research projects often last one to three years, choosing a mentor whose expertise and mentoring style align with the student's goals is an important part of the process. For our Introduction to Research programs, students are matched with a PI based on their application essay and research interests, ensuring they receive guidance from a faculty member whose expertise closely aligns with the topic they wish to explore.
Is research the right fit for every student?
No. Academic research is intellectually challenging, detail-oriented, and requires curiosity, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. While many students thrive in a research environment, it isn't the right fit for everyone. Students who are still exploring may start with Find Your Passion. If you would like personalized guidance, you can also schedule a free 20-minute consultation with Dr. Robert Malkin to discuss your student's interests and determine which program is the best fit.
FAQs from Parents
What universities do IRI faculty come from?
All IRI faculty (Principal Investigators) have professor appointments at US or Canadian universities. If your child is enrolled in the Research Assistant program, they will be able to select the Professor that most closely matches their interests, and might even be able to select a PI from one of the universities they wish to attend.
Will my child meet with a Professor every week?
Your child will meet with a research mentor every week throughout the program. Depending on the program and the stage of the research project, these meetings may be led by the Principal Investigator (PI) or by a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher working under the PI's supervision. Throughout the program, the PI oversees the research project and provides guidance at key milestones to ensure your child receives expert mentorship.
Will my child be able to publish their research through IRI?
Yes. IRI is committed to helping students produce research that is suitable for publication in reputable, peer-reviewed, archived, impact-factor-rated journals. These publications carry significantly more academic value than private-label or student-only journals and can strengthen a student's academic and research portfolio. Students in our Research Assistant programs are expected to work toward publication, although the timeline varies depending on the complexity of the research and the peer review process. For students completing an Introduction to Research program, we also offer a Publication Preparation Program designed to help transform an existing research project into a publication-ready scientific manuscript.
Can I attend my child's final presentation?
Yes. Parents and family members are invited to attend the final research presentation. You're also welcome to invite relatives, friends, or teachers to celebrate your child's accomplishments and learn about their research project.
Can my child present their research at a national or international scientific conference?
Yes. IRI supports students who wish to present their research at competitive national and international scientific conferences. Presenting at a professional scientific conference allows students to share their work with researchers, receive valuable feedback, and gain experience communicating scientific findings. Conference presentations can also strengthen a student's academic portfolio and demonstrate a sustained commitment to research. We generally recommend presenting at established professional conferences rather than student-only conferences whenever possible.
Does IRI offer financial aid?
Yes. IRI offers need-based financial aid for eligible students. To request a financial aid application or learn more about the eligibility requirements, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@iri-nc.org.
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