Collaboration
Background
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Background
Research and scholarship is often multidisciplinary, requiring the expertise and resources of scholars in various fields. Collaborations in research and scholarship make intellectual and financial sense, and can range from of two investigators sharing a data set, to large-scale collaborations among multiple institutions and agencies. In the sciences, collaborations between academic and industrial researchers are encouraged by legislation like the Bayh-Dole Patent Reform Act of 1980, which allows universities to pursue patent rights. Institutions encourage collaboration, as it makes financial sense to share resources, and funding agencies are more likely to support research that involves multiple experts. Globalization has certainly played a role in the increasing number and complexity of collaborations, as researchers and scholars are able to travel and communicate world-wide, and can read and share results nearly instantaneously via the internet.
Setting up the collaboration
Collaborations often begin with a shared enthusiasm for a research topic or question, between scholars who likely work in similar fields. It may therefore be assumed by the potential collaborators that they share common goals and expectations of the project. Moreover, it may seem as if a frank discussion about the details of the collaborative arrangement would be awkward (especially this early in the relationship), and indicate a lack of trust. However, the beginning of the collaboration is the time when it is essential to clarify many potentially divisive issues, and set the stage for a relationship where communication is open and frank.
Major issues for collaborators to discuss early include (1):
- agreeing upon the goal of the collaboration, including expectations for outcomes or products
- establishing and maintaining effective communication and making assumptions as clear as possible
- defining the expected contributions each participant can make
- allocating responsibilities
- estimating an initial time frame for the collaboration
- articulating the legal obligations of each party, especially with respect to intellectual property requirements and regulatory compliance
- specifying the process and criteria by which authorship and credit will be assigned
- recognizing accountability to research institutions, funding agencies, the profession, and the public
International collaborations face additional challenges, which may be exacerbated by communication difficulties related to distance or language. Customs may vary with respect to research and communication styles, and regulations governing research and publication may differ significantly among countries. Agreeing up-front on who will get appropriate compliance clearances (for example, from institutional Review Boards in the US) is very important.
Flexibility and communication
Like any relationship, the scholarly collaboration takes commitment and ongoing maintenance. Surprises and unexpected results may require that the project change direction or add new dimensions. New avenues may have to be explored in the face of failures and dead-ends. The collaboration is a dynamic relationship, and must retain enough flexibility to weather changes in direction or even roles and responsibilities. The key to this flexibility is communication. Just as communication was vitally important in setting up the collaboration, ongoing communication throughout the project (and even after its conclusion) is essential.
References:
- Macrina, F. Dynamic Issues in Scientific Integrity: Collaborative Research. (PDF) The American Academy of Microbiology
PSU Policies
- Guideline RAG16: The Responsible Conduct Of Research
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to fostering integrity in the conduct of research. All members of the research community, including faculty, research staff, students, fellows, adjunct faculty, and visiting researchers, are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards as they pursue research activities to further scientific understanding.
The goal of the Guidelines is to offer a set of values, principles, and standards to guide decision-making and conduct throughout the research process. It is not intended to provide a set of rules that prescribe how researchers should act in all situations. Rather, the Guidelines are intended to increase awareness of research integrity and outline the University's expectations for ethical behavior amongst all researchers.
The Guidelines discussed are not mutually exclusive. There are many circumstances when many of them apply to a single project or activity. The risks of non-adherence to the Guidelines can be both personally and institutionally great. Potential consequences of non-adherence are outlined in the University polices that form the foundation for these Guidelines.
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