Abstract
Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.
International collaborative research involves cross-country teams that share research interests, conduct research, and promote research results to advance knowledge and promote positive shifts in practice. A rigorous cross-national study can bring many benefits to a particular research field, including more significant impact and broader applicability. Specifically, international research enables us to expand research findings to different populations, regions, and cultures. In addition, international collaborative research provides opportunities to develop mutually beneficial relationships and solve global problems. Most importantly, such collaborations create synergy, where working together can achieve greater goals than working separately. These cross-national and cross-cultural interactions among scientists and participants engaged in the process who have different backgrounds can generate a nourishing environment for solving problems and inspiring ideas that would not have been otherwise possible.
Despite the significant benefits of developing cross-country teams and building international partnerships, there are multiple practical challenges to be considered when initiating and conducting international research. First, there are often language barriers across collaborators from different countries. Impaired communications can lead to misunderstandings, create confusion, and even drive a wedge between research groups. There is no better solution to this problem than a patient heart and an open mind. It requires more dedicated time to ensure that all teams are on the same page to avoid future disagreement. A key first step in developing successful collaborations is identifying techniques, supports, and other practices for positive, clear communication and appropriate cultural interpretations to ensure the team can achieve a common shared understanding of the goals and respective contributions.
As with general communication, cultural differences can create additional challenges. Different perspectives, rituals, and habits derived across cultures could impede international collaboration success. To work effectively in a multi-cultural research environment, all team members must consider and discuss relevant questions at the outset of the collaborative process. Some suggestions for discussion to improve communication and navigation of cultural difference include the following:
If possible, in-person conversations among teams working together are the best practice in the early development of a comprehensive understanding of cross-cultural norms, values, and beliefs. Remote, digital, or other virtual meetings of collaborative teams can be useful, but these types of engagements are limited in gaining deep appreciation and understanding. Furthermore, it is essential to continue reflecting on these cross-cultural experiences and constantly pay attention to the nuances throughout the process. Maintaining a positive and productive relationship is an ongoing process of recognition, reflection, examination, and reaction. Most importantly, the key to developing multi-cultural adaptation is keeping an open mind and being willing to consistently challenge one’s own worldview.
Beyond the interpersonal foundation of a strong collaborative relationship, there are numerous pragmatic considerations for conducting international research. First, researchers must consider institutional review board (IRB) requirements across all countries engaged in any research process, as research processes and restrictions can vary. For instance, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a European law that protects the privacy of personal data of individuals in the European Economic Area, poses different minimum requirements for collecting and maintaining human subjects research data than do the laws within the United States. It is important to discuss regional requirements with all local collaborators and decide who will take responsibility for obtaining IRB approvals from all necessary authorities in advance of conducting research. It is vital to allocate an extra amount of time at the outset of any planned collaborative projects for these review processes as common delays can be caused by holidays, different response speeds of foreign offices, time differences between countries, and numerous other unplanned circumstances.
Second, researchers should be aware of the policies and laws issued by each federal government or funding agencies that are sponsoring the research. Within the United States, foreign components of federally funded research must be disclosed within the proposal, on all progress reports, and through other reporting mechanisms to ensure the international engagements comply with federal regulations. According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), certain individuals, entities, and countries are subject to economic sanctions, and collaboration with these parties may be limited or prohibited. Similarly, knowledge and information exchange with other countries is covered by federal export control laws, such as the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Research institutions and universities usually provide information and resources regarding international research policies and issues. It is always a good idea to browse the online instructions and consult experts for details prior to developing any international partnerships or sharing information with other countries outside of the United States.
Although collaboration with international researchers seems daunting, the benefit of establishing these cooperative relationships certainly outweighs the challenges. For anyone interested in engaging in international work, there are several opportunities readily available. One such opportunity is the Fulbright Program, which is an international exchange program for students and scholars. This program supports scholarships and other opportunities for individuals to travel to new countries to share their expertise and conduct research with international partners. Similar funding to support international collaborative research projects has previously been available through Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council and the European Union within the Horizon 2020 program and other initiatives.
With substantial increases in the quality and availability of remote, virtual, and online technologies—many of which have become robust and even more popular due to COVID-19—global partnerships are more feasible than ever before. While the discussion of deglobalization is a weighty political issue, health care professionals and scientists would be well served to firmly support the development of a collaborative-friendly, international research community to advance knowledge and practice. After all, as quoted from Helen Keller in the beginning, “alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” Only in this way can we benefit the well-being of humans to the greatest extent.