If I was in charge of allocating financial resources to science and technology research, I would look for projects that have clear predictions. Distinct predictions are a sign of a strong hypothesis backed up by substantial evidence. The hypothesis should be strong and defined, so the researchers know exactly what they’re looking for.  A weaker hypothesis might allow multiple outcomes, so the predictions would not be as definite. If several different outcomes can support the theory, and if the predictions are vague, the falsifiability is compromised. Quality research works with falsifiable hypotheses – if they can’t be proven wrong, then they can’t be proven right either, and the results will have lost their value.

Apart from a specific aim of the project, the motivation should also be evident. Why is this crucial to investigate? What do we gain, and how does it contribute to our knowledge to make it better applicable?

If infinite resources were available to research, we could afford to explore things simply out of interest. However, this is not the case. Our limited funds should be spent wisely on research that improves our abilities to fight disease as well as other social and economical issues.

To conclude, a good research proposal is specific and well thought through, and the results should contribute with important, applicable information.