Conference on
Challenges and Tensions in International Research Collaborations
October 2-3, 2008
University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN
Registration Now Open
Early registration deadline July 1, 2008
Sponsors: U.S. Office of Research Integrity and the University of Minnesota
International collaboration in scientific research is expanding rapidly. Collaborations range from informal research partnerships, to ongoing cooperation among laboratories, to large-scale, multi-institutional ventures.
Scientists who collaborate across national borders often encounter complications that are due to fundamental differences in the way science is done in different countries. This conference will focus on issues that arise in the context of international collaborations in scientific research. In particular, speakers and discussants will address problems stemming from cross-national differences in the organization and funding of science, cultural perspectives, the training of students and research personnel, and legal and policy systems. They will also propose ways to mitigate the effects of these challenges in collaborative research.
Questions to be Addressed
- How do cross-national differences in the organization and funding of science shape research collaborations?
- How do different cultural expectations affect collaborative international research?
- In what ways do international differences in laws and regulations complicate collaborative ventures?
- How can researchers cope with governmental corruption and bribery?
- How do experienced international collaborators verify the integrity of their partners' work and methods?
- In what ways do different national systems of graduate education and postdoctoral training prepare young scientists?
- How can scientists maintain an appropriate balance between contributions and rewards among partners in cross-national collaborations?
- How do differing norms regarding the relationship between researcher and subjects affect international research?
- How should scientists develop collaborations in countries with under-developed research infrastructures?
Target Audience
- scientists who collaborate internationally or who intend to initiate such work (includes clinical researchers)
- researchers with interests in science policy, research integrity or bioethics
- postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, scientific research personnel
- policy makers, research integrity officers, compliance officers
- research administrators
- deans, chairs and other university administrators
The conference will include plenary presentations on major issues involved in international collaboration, panels of scientists who will talk about their own experiences in cross-national research projects, a dinner with a keynote address, and question-and-answer periods.
Conference Sponsors
Photos courtesy of the Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota
