Q: What factors should I consider when evaluating a potential collaboration opportunity?

Successful collaborations are built on mutual respect, shared goals, and clear communication. It’s important to have open discussions about these factors at the beginning of the collaboration to ensure a productive and positive working relationship. Here are the factors to consider when weighing options for choosing potential collaborations: 

• At the outset, based on your research goals, ask yourself if you are looking for intra-, inter, multi-, or transdisciplinary collaborations. Then, ensure that the collaborator and you are on the same page with regard to research goals and objectives. You should agree on the scope of the project, methodologies to be used, and expected outcomes. 

• Next, consider logistics and practical aspects such as the geographic location of the collaborator, the availability of funding, and the timeline for the collaboration. Further, assess cultural or institutional differences that might affect the collaboration. This could include differences in working styles, expectations, and administrative policies. 

• Assess the expertise and resources of the potential collaborator, i.e., necessary skills, knowledge, funding, and infrastructure, to contribute meaningfully to the research project.  

• Evaluate the reputation and credibility of the potential collaborator by taking into account their track record of successful collaborations and publication record. If possible, try to get a sense of their work ethic, compatibility, and communication style from previous collaborators. 

• Finally, clarify intellectual property and data sharing agreements with the potential collaborator. This includes discussing ownership of research results, data sharing protocols, and publication rights. 

Read more on how you can make connections with potential collaborators at international conferences here. You might also find this post useful.