Integrating research and grant writing in an undergraduate dietetics program.

The Council on Research of The American Dietetic Association considers research by dietitians a necessity. A number of authors conclude that the link between research and practice needs to begin with the educational experience. We report on a model for integrating research and grant proposal writing in the undergraduate dietetics curriculum that has been used successfully for 6 years in a coordinated program. Students carry out research projects so that they learn teamwork, read research articles more critically, become more skilled with statistical analysis, and learn how to seek funding for their work. This model could easily be adopted by educational programs. Having such research and writing experience as students may stimulate continued research in the practice setting.