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Planning a Research Project

Collaborators in research are individuals or groups who work together to enhance the quality, depth, and scope of a study. These collaborators bring specialised knowledge, skills, and expertise that complement the researcher's own work, improving the research design, methodology, data analysis, and dissemination of findings.

Why are collaborators important?

Collaborators are essential to ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous research process.

  • They provide valuable insights that might not be available within the primary research team.
  • Working with collaborators helps reduce errors, improves the quality of the research, and may open doors to new research opportunities and funding.

How to find collaborators

  • Within Your Team
    • Start by looking within your own research team for complementary expertise.
  • University or Research Institutes
    • Reach out to faculty or researchers within your institution with relevant expertise.
    • You may need a research agreement with external parties.
  • Conferences & Networks
    • Attend professional events or use platforms like LinkedIn and ResearchGate to connect with potential collaborators.
  • Online Communities
  • Librarians & Institutional Resources
    • Reach out to Monash Health Library for support

How to approach potential collaborators

  • Clearly explain your research goals and how their expertise can help.
  • Share how collaboration can benefit both parties (e.g., publications, career development).
  • Approach them respectfully with a concise message outlining the collaboration potential.
  • If interested, set up a meeting to discuss details and align expectations.
  • Offer to acknowledge their contributions (e.g., co-authorship) and share research opportunities.

What makes a collaborator a co-author?

According to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, a co-author must meet four key criteria:

  • they must make substantial contributions to the research design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation
  • assist in drafting or revising the manuscript
  • approve the final version for publication and
  • take accountability for the work's accuracy and integrity.

Individuals who do not meet these criteria should be acknowledged in the manuscript rather than listed as co-authors.

Example
Librarians at Monash Health can be co-authors on systematic reviews. Librarians devise the search strategy, write the methods and protocol and review the manuscript. You can request this service through the Request Research Support form. 

Recommended resources:

Monash Health Research Repository

Research agreements at Monash Health

Consumer input in research refers to the active and meaningful participation of patients, carers, or the broader community (end-users) in the research process.

Why is consumer input important?

Involving consumers in research helps bridge the gap between scientific studies and real-world health needs.

  • It ensures that research is aligned with the priorities, experiences, and values of the people it aims to benefit.
  • Consumer engagement can also reduce the risk of research waste, where studies fail to create tangible benefits for patients.
  • By co-designing research, consumers bring practical insights that make studies more effective, relevant, and ethical.

How to obtain consumer input

Example
Dear, R. F., et al. (2011). Consumer input into research: the Australian Cancer Trials website. Health research policy and systems, 9, 30. 

Recommended resources:

Australian Clinical Trials Alliance. (2021). Consumer involvement in research - the power of partnerships.