You will notice that it is pretty easy to join the RD. Basically anyone expressing an interest in research will be able join.

Staying in the RD will however be a much harder task.

You need to show that you're active and are doing something. Of course, research does not show results fast (if at all), so you will be not judged by how much results you produce, but more by your willingness to help and discover something new. There is never any pressure to produce something concrete at any given time.

You need to show that you're interested in a certain field and have ideas for it, you also need to be comfortable to converse with. If you are deemed disruptive to the atmosphere of this department, you will find your way out of here very soon.

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Research can be exciting, but it takes a lot of patience. Here's how you should start.

If you already know exactly what project and topic you're working on, start by requesting for the new project to be opened, if it isn't already, then create your own thread about your topic. You can then start working right away.

If you don't know what you are doing, start by picking a major section you're interested in (this shouldn't be too hard). Once you have that, look at the brainstorm thread and start posting ideas. Look also at pre-existing open projects and topics. You may find something that catch your eye on a particular project. Once you have that, you can start defining your research topic within that project more and more until you get something concrete to work with. You can then release your own topic thread.

If you still can't find any inspiration after all that, start by working with easier topic tasks, such as documenting already existing concepts or clarifying "grey areas" of pen spinning. As you build more confidence and experience, you will be able to take on bigger projects.

In normal circumstances, I ask for every researcher to have at least 1 research topic to work on.

Do not create too many topics too, because you will focus or get too busy. It's easier to work on one topic at a time.

Be sure also to help others if they need it too. Read others' topics and if you get a good idea, be sure to pass it along in their thread or even ask to collaborate on their topic. You can then become co-researchers on a single topic.

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Finally, be honest with yourself and others. If you don't have the motivation or time to work on a certain topic, simply drop it. No data is lost, and someone will eventually pick it up to resume the work (you may also re-work on it later). If you can't be involved for a certain period of time, tell me and I'll put you on hold. Let everybody know your current situation. If you just can't handle it anymore, then resign.

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