Friday, May 31, 2019

Five Things to Make Your Collaboration Go Smoothly


Communication matters. We all know it. Good communication is the number-one skill people will ask from you, but it is also a vague term. (I sometimes think a person who demands good communication skills from others is someone who needs to learn communication skills themselves.)

We are scientists, so we need definitions. Here, let’s define “communication skills” in scientific collaboration as the organizing skill to provide information that your collaborators need.

(If you are an experimentalist, you will most likely collaborate with researchers who do measurements or calculations for you.)

As with labeling your samples, you need to provide clear, easy-to-understand notes about your samples for your collaborators.

Sample notes should include
 
example of a note 
1. Your Name and Date
Your collaborator(s) might have a lot of samples from other collaborators. You must put your name and date in the note to avoid mix-ups. The golden rule is to not assume it’s obvious. If you label and take notes well, your collaborator(s) might have better recall of your sample, even after many years.
2. Sample Information and Photo
Thanks to modern technology, it is easy to take a photo of your samples. Including a photo will help your collaborator(s) know what is what. With the photo, include a detailed note of the sample to explain what the photo and sample entail.
Receipt of FedEx is also good to share
with the tracking number
3. Label Samples
Proper sample labels mean everything when you’re working with others. The label should contain your name and sample name.
4. Tasks You’re Asking Collaborator(s) To Help With
You need to specify any measurements or calculations you need from your collaborator(s). If you don’t know the standard measurements or calculations and what they’re referred to as, check with papers reporting similar measurements/calculations. Use them as an example.
5. Related Data
Include any related data that are necessary for the collaborator(s) to complete the request.
Including these data will help your collaborators keep track of your notes and samples and to perform the requested tasks. Proper communication matters, and that includes written communication with your samples.

Good luck researching with others!