Challenging the System: Building a Sustainable Educational Research Program Using Innovative Funding Sources

Abstract

Dwindling state budgets, competing demands for limited grant funding, and reduced private giving have converged to create a challenging environment for faculty attempting to begin or continue a sustainable program of research. High quality educational research can be done can be done with minimal to not funding; however this approach requires creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. Four successful nurse scholars will share their stories and individual creative approaches to funding their active educational research programs. All presenters have focused programs of research that span more than a decade. They have over 300 publications and 400 presentations combined. All have achieved fellowships, professional recognitions, and local and national research awards, without traditional federal funding. A satisfying and meaningful program of educational research can be achieved and sustained without federal funding. A good idea and an ability to persevere alone or to partner with others are required for success.