How do you collaborate with researchers across locations?

1 Set clear goals and expectations

The first step to collaborate with researchers across locations is to define the purpose, scope, and outcomes of your project. You should also agree on the roles, responsibilities, and contributions of each team member. This will help you avoid confusion, duplication, or conflict later on. You can use a project charter, a contract, or a memorandum of understanding to document your goals and expectations.

2 Choose the right tools and platforms

The second step to collaborate with researchers across locations is to select the tools and platforms that suit your needs and preferences. You will need to communicate, share, and manage your data, documents, and resources effectively while taking into account the security, accessibility, and compatibility of your tools and platforms. Examples of tools you can use include email, phone, or video conferencing for synchronous communication; Slack, WhatsApp, or Telegram for asynchronous communication; Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for cloud storage and file sharing; Trello, Asana, or Basecamp for project management and task tracking; Mendeley, Zotero, or EndNote for citation and reference management; and GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket for code sharing and version control.

3 Establish a regular communication schedule

The third step to collaborate with researchers across locations is to establish a regular communication schedule. You should decide on the frequency, mode, and agenda of your communication. You should also respect the time zones, availability, and preferences of your team members. You can use a shared calendar, a meeting scheduler, or a reminder app to coordinate your communication schedule.

4 Build trust and rapport

The fourth step to collaborate with researchers across locations is to build trust and rapport. You should get to know your team members personally and professionally. You should also show respect, appreciation, and feedback for their work. You can use social media, online games, or virtual coffee breaks to create a sense of community and belonging. You can also use emojis, gifs, or memes to add some humor and personality to your communication.

5 Embrace diversity and creativity

The fifth step to collaborate with researchers across locations is to embrace diversity and creativity. You should acknowledge and value the different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives of your team members. You should also encourage and support their ideas and suggestions. You can use brainstorming, mind mapping, or prototyping tools to generate and refine your ideas. You can also use online surveys, polls, or voting tools to solicit and prioritize your ideas.

6 Evaluate and celebrate your progress

The sixth step to collaborate with researchers across locations is to evaluate and celebrate your progress. You should monitor and measure your performance, outputs, and outcomes. You should also identify and address any issues, challenges, or risks that arise. You can use dashboards, reports, or feedback forms to track and share your progress. You can also use rewards, recognition, or testimonials to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements.