Why collaborate?

    There are many possible reasons. Perhaps you want to find new research problems, gain access to certain data or seek funding that requires collaboration for societal benefit? It is up to you as a researcher to decide when collaboration is relevant, with whom and how.

    Collaboration can, for example, give access to spheres outside the academy and offer deeper insight into a certain social phenomenon.

    Photo: Ida Åberg

    Some motivations for collaborating in your research may be to:

    • facilitate the creation of socially relevant problem formulations.
    • gain access to new knowledge and other networks.
    • be able to link theory to empiricism.
    • get access to methods, data and/or infrastructure.
    • get funding from partners for joint ventures.
    • improve the dissemination of research results.
    • get greater impact from and support for your research.
    • contribute to improved decision-making and social development, etc.

    In addition, more and more research funders require cooperation in their calls for proposals. In order to successfully compete for funding, it is important to be able to clearly describe who you intend to collaborate with, how your work can be useful, for whom, and how you intend to spread the knowledge.

    However, the collaboration itself can take different forms. Meeting and engaging in dialogue with potential end users during scientific seminars, for example to discuss a new method, product or service, is one form. Formulating a common research problem, writing a project application and working together over time is another.

    Need help?

    You can always contact us at the Research Support and Collaboration Office if you need information or tips on how to make contacts. We also offer internal training to both research groups and institutions on collaboration in research.

    Curious? Go to Courses and workshops.

     

    Contact us

    Feel free to contact us at the Research Support and Collaboration Office if you need help with collaboration issues.

    Anna Mannelqvist

    Head of operations
    for collaboration
    anna.mannelqvist@umu.se

    Higher Education Act

    "The mandate of higher education institutions shall include collaboration for mutual exchanges with the surrounding community, as well as ensuring that the knowledge and expertise found at the higher education institution bring benefit to society."

    – The Swedish Higher Education Act, Ch. 1 § 2

    Read more in the Swedish Higher Education Act

    Collaboration in calls

    Today, many Swedish funders as well as the EU's Horizon Europe framework programme require research to be carried out in collaboration with relevant actors or to the benefit of society at large in order to be granted funding.

    Go to Collaboration in calls

    Lena Holmberg
    1/13/2023