Brand in research (4)
I believe the answer is:
sear
'brand' is the definition.
(both can mean to burn)
'in research' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'SEAR' is hidden in the letters of 'research'.
(Other definitions for sear that I've seen before include "Burn briefly" , "Scorch, brand" , "Dried up, parched" , "Withered" , "Cauterize" .)