Collaboration in Pandemic Times

Some of the work we do in ORDE includes working with researchers to build bridges and spur collaboration. Although given the COVID pandemic, researchers are not able to meet in person to work together, there are other ways to collaborate virtually. And in some ways, our new normal can make it simpler to work together. There are no commutes, booking conference rooms, etc. to worry about anymore.

Also, the urgency in finding a COVID vaccine has inspired global research collaboration like we've never seen before as detailed in a recent NY Times article.

Whether collaborating face to face or online, there are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful collaboration as you get started!

Know your strengths and weaknesses
Before you reach out to collaborators, be clear on where your expertise lies and where it is limited. This will help you to pitch yourself and your project to potential partners and help you to identify the right partner(s).

Identify potential team members' strengths and weaknesses
Once you're clear what your role should be in a project and what roles and needs you must fill to make it come to fruition, you're ready to look for collaborators. Talk to your colleagues and make connections in the areas you have needs. When you identify a potential collaborator, set up an initial conversation to vet them.

Be ready to share
If you want a collaboration to be successful, you shouldn't go into conversations assuming that you're the boss and your collaborator will just provide what's needed. If that's how you want to run things, then you're really looking for a consultant on your project, not a collaborator. Most researchers will not be willing to invest themselves in a project that does not feel like it is theirs. So, be prepared to not only share your idea, but adapt the idea with your new partner(s).

Be ready to assert yourself
On the flip side, a collaboration shouldn't feel like a handoff of your idea to another. Some researchers feel their project is co-opted especially when they seek collaboration with a more seasoned PI. To combat this, be ready to assert yourself and demand a true partnership in the project.

Know what's in it for each researcher
An essential piece to a good collaboration is setting each collaborator up for success. When beginning a collaborative project, it's important to get all motivations out on the table to make sure they're complementary. Also, this is the time to discuss order of authorship of subsequent publications, and who will provide what resources and time to which parts of the project. This can help you avoid confusion or conflict later on.

But is collaboration worth it?
Collaboration is a lot of work, but it also bolsters the research products by incorporating a variety of perspectives and expertise. In addition, according to Adams (2012), co-authored pubs tend to get cited more.

Resources:
The Rise of Research Networks - Adams (2012)
The Science of Team Science Website
Team Science Toolkit - NCI
Difference in collaboration patterns across discipline, career, and stages - PLOS Biology Journal