---

Junior academics are mostly puzzled about their research activities in medical universities. In this work, the process of research development in an Iranian medical university is theorized by using grounded theory method. The extracted phenomenon from the data analysis is named as Inefficient Juniors in Research Activities. The draft theory of Research Development Trajectory is configured to describe the process of junior academics´ research development through professional development activities. Amidst numerous theories to modify the draft theory, the relevant theories of this study are known as complexity theory, action theory, change theory, field theory, adult learning theory, and activity theory. Consequently, the theory of Junior Research Development is emerged to enhance quality and quantity of research products through developing junior academics´ research.

---

Farhad Balash is assistant professor in the Kharazmi University, Iran. He received his PhD from the University Technology Malaysia and continued his postdoctoral in the same university. His research interests are faculty development, ethical issues in higher education, and multidisciplinary studies.

---