Research collaborations: like minds, diversity and safe spaces

Researchers, stakeholders and research funders are realising the benefits of building multidisciplinary research teams; pooling experts from varied fields with differing methodological approaches, methods and perspectives, to answer research questions. This diverse ‘meeting of the minds’ creates layers of opportunity for exploring social phenomena with new richness and clarity. Additionally, collaborations offer new prospects and synergies, new insights and awareness, and opportunities for self-growth. Multidisciplinary alliances are critical to the work of nurses, as practitioners, academics and researchers. They lead to a deeper sense of togetherness; new connections and concepts that can refresh the spirit and rejuvenate mental wellbeing. Knowing how to successfully navigate collaborations creates opportunities to celebrate differences in world views, opening the door to new wisdoms. In this column, key components of a research collaboration are described, and we reflect on the key elements needed to promote meaningful and engaging contributors. Selecting the ‘right’ collaborators creates opportunities to broaden the scope of research and stimulate pathways of growth and shared learning. By providing safe spaces to forge new ideas and experiences, research collaborations strengthen the research and the status and identity of individuals and the group.