Start Here01
O.R.B.I.T. Open Research Resource Library
See the complete O.R.B.I.T. resource collection and choose where to begin.
OPEN ACCESS · NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Research guidance, open to everyone.
Practical, student-friendly resources for every stage of the research journey—from finding a mentor to presenting and publishing your work.
11 free guides6 research topics0 prior experience needed
THE O.R.B.I.T. RESOURCE LIBRARY
Start with what you need.
Each guide stands on its own. Browse the complete collection, narrow it by topic, or search for a specific research skill.
Writing & Publishing02
How to Write a Research Manuscript
Draft a credible research manuscript section by section.
Applications & Careers03
Building an Academic CV
Present your research experience, training, and scholarly contributions.
Applications & Careers04
Writing a Strong Research Cover Letter
Write focused cover letters for labs, fellowships, and research programs.
Research Foundations05
How to Build a Literature Review
Find, organize, evaluate, and synthesize scholarly literature.
Writing & Publishing06
Peer Review: How to Give and Use Feedback
Give useful research feedback and respond thoughtfully to reviewer comments.
Finding Mentorship07
How to Email a PI or Research Mentor
Contact a faculty member or research mentor with a specific, thoughtful email.
Writing & Publishing08
How to Prepare a Research Submission
Choose a credible outlet and prepare your research for responsible submission.
Research Foundations09
How to Build a Research Proposal
Turn an initial research interest into a focused, feasible project plan.
Applications & Careers10
Building a Research Resume
Translate coursework, projects, and practical skills into a clear one-page resume.
Presenting Research11
Designing and Presenting a Research Poster
Design an effective research poster and present your work with confidence.
BEYOND THE O.R.B.I.T. GUIDES
Trusted places to keep learning.
The guides point students toward established research standards, publication-ethics resources, and university guidance. Start with these free references.
Research reporting standards
EQUATOR Network
Find reporting guidelines matched to different research methods and study designs.
Visit official resource Systematic review guidancePRISMA 2020
Understand transparent reporting for systematic reviews and evidence synthesis.
Visit official resource Publication and authorship ethicsICMJE Recommendations
Review established recommendations for authorship, ethics, and manuscript preparation.
Visit official resource Ethical peer reviewCommittee on Publication Ethics
Explore guidance for responsible, constructive, and confidential peer review.
Visit official resource Career and application resourcesUConn Center for Career Readiness
Use university guidance for resumes, academic CVs, cover letters, and research applications.
Visit official resource Research poster presentationsUConn Office of Undergraduate Research
Learn what makes an undergraduate research poster clear, effective, and easy to present.
Visit official resourcePOLICIES & ETHICS
Clear standards for research and student support.
Read the public guidelines that define responsible scholarly practice within ORBIT Research and ethical peer support within ORBIT Navigators.
ORBIT RESEARCH
Guidelines & Code of Ethics
Research integrity, data practices, authorship, collaboration, privacy, AI use, publication, and institutional oversight.
Read the Research Guidelines ORBIT NAVIGATORSGuidelines & Code of Ethics
Student privacy, authentic application support, professionalism, accuracy, AI use, and appropriate peer-support boundaries.
Read the Navigator GuidelinesRESEARCH ACCESS WITHOUT GATEKEEPING
You do not need to know the right person to start learning.
These resources are available to interested students regardless of major, institution, research experience, or involvement in O.R.B.I.T.