Build a Clear NSFC Technical Roadmap

Connect questions to evidence

Give each research aim a corresponding experiment, readout, and interpretation.

Show dependencies

Distinguish parallel work from experiments that require earlier results.

Keep the diagram readable

Use short labels, aligned stages, and a small number of visual categories.

Worked example

For a fibrosis project, link tissue observation to cell experiments and then animal validation. Add an alternative assay if the primary readout cannot distinguish competing mechanisms.

A practical workflow

1. Extract the project logic

   List the hypothesis, aims, samples, methods, expected evidence, and alternatives from your draft.

2. Generate an editable roadmap

   Use the technical roadmap workflow to create a diagram, then revise its labels and connections in the editor.

3. Cross-check the proposal

   Match every roadmap branch to the written aims and remove experiments that have no clear purpose.

Questions and answers