Fostering Collaboration in The Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research
Professor Rachel Lennon discusses ways to promote positive research culture. She also examines strategies of engagement with students, patients, and the communities served.
How Team Research Fosters Collaboration in The Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research
A multidisciplinary research environment thrives on teamwork. Rachel Lennon, Director of the Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, and Julia Schoonover, Engaged and Inclusive Research Manager, tell us how they’re fostering collaboration in the centre by valuing diverse expertise, recognising contributions and breaking down hierarchical barriers.
Could you tell us about the Centre?
The Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research is constantly evolving. Founded in 1996, the Centre has seen a significant expansion in the number of academic teams. The Centre’s research focuses across three key themes: chrono-matrix, immuno-matrix and mechano-matrix and hosts 20 research groups and a total of 110 staff, spreading across 30 teams. Our growth necessitates a focus on fostering close collaborations across team members with diverse expertise.
How are Team Research principles being used at the Centre?
The Centre is moving away from siloed research groups towards interdisciplinary teams. These teams comprise academic researchers, technicians, experimental officers, statisticians, and bioinformaticians. This ensures a wider range of expertise is brought to bear on complex research problems.
We recognize the limitations of the traditional academic hierarchy. We are currently involved in a Task and Finish group around improving career progression for experimental officers and technologists with Professor Melissa Westwood (Associate Vice President for Research) who leads it, and formerly with Helen Ashley (Director of Organisational Development).
The Centre actively seeks out and nurtures leadership potential among Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from diverse backgrounds, for example, through empowering them to develop symposia. This not only injects fresh perspectives but also prepares future leaders for the Centre.
Authorship on publications and grant applications acknowledge the contributions of all team members, including roles not traditionally included, such as core facility staff like electron microscopists. This fosters a sense of shared purpose and value by recognising that ‘this couldn’t have been done this without them’.
How have Team Research principles benefitted the project?
The cross-pollination of ideas across disciplines leads to a more innovative research environment. Complex research questions are tackled more effectively through the combined expertise of diverse teams. Recognizing the contributions of all staff members boosts morale and motivation.
What are the challenges of working with Team Research principles?
Changing traditional mindsets to acknowledge the vital role of non-traditional roles such as core facility staff requires ongoing effort. Creating opportunities for social interaction beyond scientific communication is crucial for building strong team bonds.
What are your top tips for working in this way?
- Human beings and not just scientists! – Minimise the hierarchical model and recognise team members as individuals with personal lives and interests beyond their research. Acknowledge the intimidation senior researchers can pose to early-career colleagues, and create opportunities for informal social interactions to foster relationships and culture.
- Empower early- and mid-career team members by providing a safe space and opportunities to lead activities and develop skills.