Expert methodology guidance for specific research needs
Project-based consulting without ongoing commitment. Protocol review, study evaluation, literature analysis, ingredient due diligence, and strategic consultation. Defined scope, defined timeline, defined deliverable.
Not every research need requires a full trial or a retainer
These services are designed for specific research needs with defined scope and timeline. You need expert methodology guidance for a particular project: protocol review before a study begins, evaluation of supplier research before formulation decisions, literature analysis on a new ingredient, or strategic consultation on research priorities.
Many clients start here before committing to a full trial engagement or a fractional research director retainer. It is a practical way to experience NRI's methodology expertise firsthand on a real deliverable before a larger commitment.
You have a specific question
A protocol that needs review before IRB submission. A supplier study that needs independent evaluation. An ingredient with claims you need verified. A defined project with a clear deliverable.
Your research is sporadic
Research activity that is irregular or unpredictable makes project-based engagement more practical than monthly retainer costs. Commission what you need when you need it.
You want to start small
Protocol review or study evaluation is a low-risk way to assess NRI's methodology approach before committing to a full trial or fractional director engagement.
If you are planning multiple studies over two to three years or need regular guidance on supplier claims, competitive intelligence, and evidence strategy, the Fractional Research Director retainer typically provides better value and deeper integration with your team.
Five project-based engagements
Each service has defined scope, a specific deliverable, and a typical timeline. Every engagement is custom-scoped to your specific situation.
Protocol Review
Comprehensive review of study protocols before enrollment begins. Identifies methodology flaws in outcome measures, power calculations, blinding strategies, and statistical plans. Prevents expensive false negatives from fixable design issues.
Most studies fail not because products do not work, but because protocols were designed with assumptions that do not match realities. Wrong outcome measures, inadequate sample sizes, blinding strategies that will not survive sensory-distinctive ingredients. These are fixable before enrollment, not after.
Includes detailed written recommendations covering all methodology components plus two rounds of revisions to refine protocols before IRB submission or CRO engagement.
Study Evaluation
Expert methodology analysis of published research. Evaluates a set of studies for design quality, statistical validity, and whether claims align with actual findings.
The supplement industry is flooded with clinically studied claims backed by research with fatal methodology flaws. Underpowered samples, inappropriate outcome measures, statistical errors, formulations that do not match what is being sold. Know exactly which competitor claims are backed by rigorous research versus questionable methodology, and whether supplier studies truly support the ingredients they are selling.
Comprehensive written evaluation with methodology quality ratings and strategic recommendations.
Literature Review and Evidence Summary
Comprehensive evidence assessment on any ingredient or condition. Systematic literature search with quality evaluation of key studies, synthesis of efficacy and safety data, and dosing recommendations based on actual research, not supplier marketing materials.
Before investing in formulation, reformulation, or clinical trials, you need to know what the existing research actually says. What is well established versus preliminary. What doses have been studied. What claims current evidence can support. What research gaps exist.
Includes comprehensive written summary with study quality ratings, evidence synthesis, strategic recommendations, and full bibliography.
Ingredient Due Diligence Package
Complete research assessment before formulation commitments. Combines comprehensive literature review with supplier study evaluation and competitive product analysis, providing strategic recommendations on whether and how to proceed with new ingredients.
More thorough than literature review alone, this package evaluates both published evidence and supplier-provided research to give you complete intelligence before major formulation investments. Identifies ingredients with impressive marketing but weak evidence, research that does not match what suppliers sell, and evidence gaps that will limit your marketing claims.
Includes literature review, supplier research evaluation, competitive landscape analysis, safety assessment, and strategic recommendation: proceed, wait, or pass.
Research Strategy Session
Two-hour strategic consultation on research priorities, study planning, and evidence-based positioning. Expert guidance on which studies to run when, realistic timelines and budgets, evidence gaps that limit your current claims, and how to build a multi-year research program that compounds in value.
Designed for brands at an inflection point: launching a research program, evaluating a major study investment, repositioning around clinical evidence, or building internal research capability. Includes pre-session questionnaire and written summary of recommendations.
Brands at every stage of the research journey
Project-based services work for brands at different points in their evidence-building journey. You do not need an active clinical trial or an ongoing research program to benefit from methodology expertise.
Pre-formulation
Evaluating new ingredients before committing to formulation. Literature review and ingredient due diligence tell you what the evidence actually supports before you invest in development.
Pre-trial
Planning a clinical study. Protocol review catches design flaws before they become expensive false negatives. The research strategy session helps you prioritize which studies to run first.
Competitive intelligence
Evaluating competitor claims or supplier research. Study evaluation gives you an independent methodology assessment of the research behind claims you are competing against or ingredients you are considering.
Regulatory preparation
Building a claim substantiation dossier. Literature review and study evaluation help you understand what your existing evidence supports and where the gaps are before regulatory review.
Ready to start a project?
Tell us what you need. We will scope it and get back to you within 48 hours.