Team Science

“The fundamental characteristics and attributes required to be a successful translational scientist go beyond the competencies of existing individual disciplines and include a broad understanding of the translational spectrum, the full embrace of a team science approach to research, and a focus on developing innovative solutions to persistent problems in translation, among others.”

The Fundamental Characteristics of a Translational Scientist

About Team Science

Team science is a collaborative effort to address a scientific challenge that leverages the strengths and expertise of professionals, oftentimes trained in different fields.” Team science enables innovative and creative problem-solving by bringing together team members from various disciplines who hold diverse perspectives and hail from a range of backgrounds. However, this approach presents unique challenges in settings that are structured around traditional science team dynamics. These differences impact many aspects, from operational and administrative differences between institutions to project managing complex dependencies.

Team science is frequently used to describe the work that happens in large, highly integrated teams and centers, but the principles apply to teams of any size and composition. Whether you are preparing to join a research team, building and leading a new team of your own, or interested in learning new ways to contribute to your current team, honing your team science skills can increase your and your team’s potential scientific impact.

Skills for Engaging in Team Science

Functional research teams are effective in two key critical dimensions: the task dimension and the interpersonal dimension. The task dimension refers to the what, or the specific work the team is completing together. The interpersonal dimension involves the how, or the practices that define the relationships among team members (PDF).

Individuals and teams can improve their effectiveness on both the task and interpersonal dimensions by honing team science skills in the following areas:

Project Management
  • Developing effective systems for managing complex projects
  • Establishing clear roles and expectations
  • Defining clear metrics and milestones for success
Communication
  • Establishing collaboration agreements to standardize expectations
  • Knowing and adopting your unique communication style 
  • Advocating on behalf of yourself and your team
Feedback
  • Building and fostering trust
  • Creating safe spaces for productive, respectful disagreement
Leadership
  • Establishing and communicating a shared vision
  • Assembling a diverse team and managing differences
  • Implementing fair and equitable management practices
Mentoring
  • Embracing a culture of mentorship that is mutually beneficial
  • Seeking mentorship within and beyond your team to support your growth and development
  • Regularly assessing mentoring relationships to identify evolving needs

Training for Team Science

Harvard Catalyst Education offers many training resources, courses, and longitudinal programs to support the professional development of translational investigators and research team members. While team science skills are woven throughout, we offer the following resources that are specifically designed to help you and your team hone the skills described above.

Tools to Catalyze Team Science

Harvard Catalyst offers many tools that enable team science – from identifying collaborators to navigating science conducted at multiple sites.

  • Profiles: An Interactive database of Harvard faculty and their publications, which can be used to network and find collaborators.
  • Smart IRB: A platform designed to ease common challenges associated with initiating multisite research and to provide a roadmap for institutions to implement the NIH Single IRB Review policy.
  • Catalyst Connect: Our searchable catalogue of research resources from Harvard Catalyst and affiliates, which is updated regularly.

Additional Resources

The following resources and frameworks articulate the skills, competencies, and principles for engaging in translational research endeavours. Each of these highlights the importance of both scientific expertise and effective teamwork skills to ensure success for all members of a translational team.

Additional Support

We consult with individuals and teams to help identify training needs and navigate available educational resources. Contact us to schedule a consultation.