Academic Expert Search Brief Template
NotedSource resource
Academic Expert Search Brief Template
Use this worksheet to define the research problem, expert profile, stakeholder map, and success criteria before starting an academic expert search.
1. Define the research challenge
Prompt: What are we trying to understand, validate, prove, compare, or solve?
Write it as a decision: “We need expert input so we can decide whether to _____ by _____.”
2. Describe the ideal expert
- Relevant academic discipline or research field
- Specific credentials, publications, patents, clinical/regulatory experience, or applied industry work
- Required geography, institution type, or language
- Potential conflicts or excluded organizations
3. Map the internal buying group
- Project champion
- Technical evaluator
- Budget owner
- Legal, IP, security, or procurement reviewer
- Executive sponsor or final approver
4. Choose the first useful output
Pick the smallest output that would create momentum:
- Expert shortlist
- Three expert interviews
- Technical literature scan
- Research roadmap
- University partner recommendation
- Scoped pilot proposal
5. Set success criteria
Before outreach starts, define what “good” looks like. Examples: qualified experts identified in two weeks, a go/no-go technical recommendation, a shortlist of labs, or a scoped pilot with budget and timeline.
6. Flag constraints early
- NDA or confidentiality requirements
- IP ownership expectations
- Data access limitations
- Timeline or budget window
- Procurement process
Ready to find the right expert?
If you already have a research challenge in mind, NotedSource can help identify academic experts, structure outreach, and move from question to scoped collaboration.