While conducting research, I've sifted through these records (8)
I believe the answer is:
archives
'these records' is the definition.
(an archive is a collection of records)
'while conducting research i've sifted' is the wordplay.
'ARCHIVES' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
'through' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for archives that I've seen before include "Historical records of an institution" , "Collection of records of organisation" , "Record collection" , "Collections of records of organisations or institutions" , "Rich vase (anag.)" .)