How do you balance your research goals with collaborators?

1 Identify common interests

Before you start a research collaboration, you need to identify what you and your potential collaborators have in common. What are your research questions, methods, and objectives? How do they relate to each other? How can you complement each other's strengths and skills? Finding common interests can help you establish a shared vision, define the scope and direction of the collaboration, and avoid duplication or confusion.

2 Communicate clearly and regularly

Communication is essential for any successful research collaboration. You need to communicate clearly and regularly with your collaborators, both within and across disciplines, institutions, and countries. You need to set up effective channels and platforms for communication, such as email, phone, video conferencing, or online tools. You need to share your progress, feedback, challenges, and expectations with your collaborators, and listen to theirs. You need to be respectful, constructive, and transparent in your communication, and avoid assumptions or misunderstandings.

3 Negotiate roles and responsibilities

Another important aspect of research collaboration is to negotiate your roles and responsibilities with your collaborators. You need to clarify who will do what, when, how, and why in the collaboration. You need to agree on the division of labor, the allocation of resources, the authorship and credit, and the ethical and legal issues. You need to document and update your agreements, and respect each other's contributions and commitments. You need to be flexible, adaptable, and accountable in your roles and responsibilities.

4 Manage conflicts and challenges

Research collaboration can also involve some conflicts and challenges, such as differences in opinions, perspectives, expectations, or styles. You need to manage these conflicts and challenges in a positive and productive way. You need to acknowledge and address them as soon as they arise, and not avoid or escalate them. You need to seek to understand and appreciate your collaborators' views and values, and not judge or criticize them. You need to find common ground and compromise, and not impose or dominate. You need to seek support and advice from others, such as mentors, peers, or mediators, if needed.

5 Learn and grow from the experience

Finally, research collaboration is a valuable opportunity to learn and grow from the experience. You need to reflect on what you have learned from your collaborators, such as new knowledge, skills, insights, or perspectives. You need to evaluate the outcomes and impacts of your collaboration, such as publications, presentations, grants, or networks. You need to celebrate your achievements and successes, and acknowledge your challenges and failures. You need to provide and receive feedback from your collaborators, and thank them for their collaboration. You need to maintain and nurture your relationships with your collaborators, and look for new opportunities to collaborate in the future.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?