research interests

USAGE SUMMARY

"research interests" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to topics or areas of inquiry that a person or group is interested in exploring. For example, "My research interests include artificial intelligence and computer engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have lots of shared research interests.

The Guardian

Her research interests include sex, relationships, pregnancy and parenthood.

The Guardian

Current research interests include language documentation and endangered languages.

The Guardian

Programmes essentially reflect the research interests of the host institution.

The Guardian - Money

His other research interests include community journalism and hyperlocal media.

The Guardian

Research interests include tropical febrile illness and arboviral infections.

The Guardian

But soon his research interests began to shift earthward.

The New Yorker

Her research interests are international economics, globalisation and industrial policy.

The Guardian

Her other research interests include wellbeing and employability.

The Guardian

(His other research interests include star formation and exploding stars.

The New Yorker

Her research interests include: employability, reflective practice and professional development.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your "research interests" in a cover letter or CV, be specific and tailor them to the position or program you're applying for. This demonstrates a clear understanding of the role and showcases relevant expertise.

Common error

Avoid vague or overly broad descriptions of your "research interests". Instead of saying "science", specify "molecular biology" or "quantum physics" to provide a clearer picture of your expertise and focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "research interests" functions as a noun phrase that identifies areas of academic or scientific inquiry that a person or group finds compelling and worthy of investigation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often appears in contexts describing a person's professional or academic profile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "research interests" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe areas of academic or scientific focus. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific and tailor your descriptions to the relevant context, avoiding overly broad statements. Alternatives such as "areas of research" or "academic interests" can provide nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

academic interests

Directly links the interests to the academic sphere, suggesting a focus on scholarly activities.

research focus

Highlights the primary area of investigation or the main subject of research.

areas of research

Focuses on the specific subjects or fields being investigated, rather than the personal interest in them.

key research areas

Implies a concentration on the most important or significant aspects of research.

fields of study

Emphasizes the academic disciplines or areas of knowledge that someone is involved in.

preferred research topics

Indicates a personal inclination towards specific subjects within the realm of research.

scholarly pursuits

Highlights the academic and intellectual nature of the interests, often implying a deeper level of engagement.

research specialities

Highlights specific, specialized areas of expertise within the field of research.

investigative areas

Stresses the act of inquiry and exploration within specific domains.

specializations

Refers to specific areas of expertise or concentration within a broader field.

FAQs

How do I effectively describe my "research interests"?

Be specific and provide context. Mention relevant keywords, methodologies, and potential contributions to the field. For instance, instead of saying "I like biology", say "My research interests include molecular biology and genetic engineering, with a focus on developing new gene editing techniques".

What's the difference between "research interests" and research experience"?

"Research interests" are areas you're curious about and want to explore, while research experience is the actual work you've done in those areas. For example, you might have a "research focus" on climate change (interest) and experience conducting field studies on deforestation (experience).

How many "research interests" should I list on a CV?

List only the most relevant and significant ones, typically 3-5, to avoid diluting your profile. Ensure they align with the position or program you're applying for. Prioritize "academic interests" that demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Where should I include my "research interests" in an academic application?

You can include your "research interests" in your cover letter, CV/resume, and statement of purpose. In your cover letter, tailor them to the specific position. Your CV can have a dedicated section. Your statement of purpose allows for a more detailed explanation of how your "scholarly pursuits" align with the program's goals.