From research question to public impact
The Project Portal isn't just a website — it's a managed process. Every research question is actively shepherded through phases, from first conversation to shared learning, all with a focus on driving public impact.
Project lifecycle
Every project moves through these phases; click to expand the details.
Partnership structures
After the partnership phase, the structure can take many forms depending on complexity, funding, timeline, and the nature of the question.
Informal collaboration
Agency and researcher partners work directly with a light structure and frequent practical check-ins.
Best for
- Smaller questions with clear operational relevance
- Early exploration before formal funding is needed
- Rapid data-sharing or pilot design work
Typical structure
- Direct coordination between agency and researchers
- Flexible timeline with lightweight documentation
- Low overhead while scope is being refined
Project quality standards
Projects on the North Carolina Project Portal adhere to high standards designed to protect research integrity and maximize real-world usefulness.
Checklist
- Register a pre-analysis plan.
- Make data, code, and instruments open to the extent possible.
- Report all pre-specified outcomes and clearly note deviations.
- Document data limitations, assumptions, and constraints.