#145 - How to Find and Write a Research Gap That Holds Up

Apr 22, 2026

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Today I am giving you the complete process, from finding a genuine gap in the literature through to writing a statement that no panel or reviewer can push back on, with annotated examples showing exactly what passes and what fails.

22 April 2026

Read time: 4 minutes

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One insider strategy per week to complete your PhD or DBA on time, use AI responsibly, and navigate the academic system with confidence. 240,000+ researchers follow my work on LinkedIn. 10,000+ subscribe to this newsletter. Here's why. Whether you're a full-time researcher or a working professional doing a doctorate alongside your career, the system wasn't built for you. Universities teach methodology. They don't teach you how to actually finish. Every Wednesday, I share one technique from the examiner's side of the table. The things I've learned from examining 45+ PhD theses, supervising 35+ researchers to completion, and mentoring working professionals through doctorates they were told they couldn't do while working. All in under 3 minutes. AI is changing research fast. I've tested 12+ tools with doctoral students and I train universities on responsible AI use. I'll show you what works, what makes things up, and how to use these tools without putting your integrity at risk. My followers call me their virtual mentor. This newsletter is where that mentoring goes deeper. No fluff. No jargon. Just the strategies I use with my own mentees, in your inbox every Wednesday.

#145 - How to Find and Write a Research Gap That Holds Up

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