#81 Research Collaboration

Hey friends,

2 weeks ago, I sent a newsletter about networking

Today, I want to talk about a related topic: collaboration

I see many researchers think about collaborations only as a way to get help

Let me explain the problem with that

In November, a researcher reached out to me about working together on a project
The proposal was simple: I was asked to contribute to a specific topic that sat completely outside my expertise and interests

In practice, this meant two things:
First, I couldn’t see how I would add real value: my knowledge of that field is basically zero.
Second, like many people, I usually have very limited availability for new projects

So, unfortunately, the collaboration never started

The issue wasn’t a lack of goodwill or motivation
It was the way collaboration was being defined

A better alternative is to see collaborations as a way to create value together

This way collaborations become more natural:
everyone brings something to the table (ideas, skills, data, perspectives, solutions etc.)

How you approach someone can either open doors or completely close them.
Don’t contact researchers with direct emails like: “Dear Professor, I admire your work and would love to collaborate on a new study. Do you have some projects I can work on?”

I don’t think such emails would get some positive replies

The key thing to do is to offer something meaningful.
Try to create a win-win situation

Instead of asking what can someone do for you?
Start asking what can you bring to the table?

A new idea
Coding scripts
A small analysis
something they can actually use

Everyone is busy. So provide value first.
The rest will follow

One good starting point is your close circle
Start discussing with colleagues at your own institution
Then colleagues of colleagues
Attendees in workshops/conferences

Warm and face to face introductions beat cold emails almost every time.

If you still send cold emails, be as specific as possible
Clearly connect your work to theirs.
Make it obvious what you’re proposing and why it makes sense now.

Today you could do one thing:
Think of 2 to 3 researchers whose work you respect.
Find one concrete common interest.
Draft a short message that leads with value

Keep in mind that collaboration isn’t a one-way transaction
It’s a relationship you build over time

Well, that’s all for this week.
Let me know how you handle research collaborations

See you next Sunday
Jamal