Databases and Literature Research
Our university, our government, the DFG invests a lot of money in database licenses. Use them!
If you do not know how to use a database you want to use, ask the others. But more important: Read the introductions, take the tours, use the help, and RTFM! The database providers really make an effort to design introductory tours etc., so you should use them. Finally, you are always free to come to me and ask for help. Perhaps I can show you what you are doing wrong, or can point you to a more suitable database...
Make yourself familiar with the databases we have available. Especially helpfull are the Hager, the Römpp , and of course we also have access to the Ph. Eur. , DAB/HAB , the DAC/NRF and other regulatory texts. Use the DrugBase (including the ABDA database) - a fantastic resource for drugs and drug products! I also like the PharmaWiki , although this of course is not a truly curated database... If you need a solid scientific assessment of herbal medicines, have a look at the HMPC database .
Use the natural product related databases - especially the Dictionary of Natural Products . Learn how to customize searches to find what you need. Napralert might also be useful, but I have never really used it.
You must know which database gives you the research answers you need. Yes, Google Scholar and PubMed are great ressources, but true literature databases can do so much more for you.
Use SciFinder for literature searches in general, (sub-)structure searches, searches for sum formulae etc. This is the most important literature database for you! Be sure to use the "Keep Me Posted" feature for your research topics - everyone should have at least a few "Keep Me Posted"s active - otherwise you will not get an overview over the field you work in.
Use the Web of Science for reference searches - in general, it is always good to use more than one database if you really want to get a good overview.
On a side note: Access to literature is not always granted. Here you can find some helpfull suggestions what to do when our university does not offer access to a publication you want to read... (Side note to the side note: Björn Brembs blog is worth reading if you are interested in Open Science and related stuff.)
You can also try out Unpaywall , an add-on for Firefox.
Looking for funding? Use ELFI .