The Impact of Research Consortium Participation on the Development of New Collaborative Connections: A survey and longitudinal social network analysis
Elizabeth Stevens
(NYU Grossman School of Medicine)
Defne Levine
(NYU Grossman School of Medicine)
Donna Zulman
(Stanford University)
Scott Sherman
(NYU Grossman School of Medicine)
Short abstract
There is limited quantifiable evidence of research consortium impact on collaborations between researchers. This was explored through a survey and longitudinal social network analysis (SNA) of researcher members of a national tele-health-focused research consortium from conception to 4 years.
Long abstract
Background: Research consortia are frequently used to promote research collaboration, however there is limited quantifiable evidence of their impact on collaborations between researchers.
Methods: A survey and longitudinal social network analysis (SNA) of researcher members of a national US tele-health-focused research consortium from baseline to 4 years. An online survey collected member demographics, consortium activities, and collaborative relationships among the member list. SNA outcomes were network density (percent of total possible connections) and average connections.
Results: Membership increased from 167 researchers at baseline to 351. 41% (145) of members responded to the survey including 98 who were members at baseline and follow up. Respondents were 53% female, 65% White, 25% Asian, 37% medical doctors, and 61% held a non-clinical doctorate. Overall, 38% agree they found new collaborations and 41% saw a benefit to their work. Members were more likely to make new collaborations if they reported participating in in-person events (56% vs 35%, p=0.017), engaging with consortium resources for research (59% vs 30%, p<0.001), and applying for consortium-related funding (45% vs 32%, p=0.064). Participation in cyber seminars and newsletters was not associated with collaboration. In SNA, at 4-year follow-up members at baseline increased number of connections from an average of 19 to 39 and increased network density from 25% to 33% as compared to an overall 15% density.
Conclusions: Consortia can contribute to creation of new research collaborations. However, impact can vary depending on type of activity participation. Research consortia leaders should consider implementing activities that promote active consortium participation.
Accepted Paper
Short abstract
Long abstract
Background: Research consortia are frequently used to promote research collaboration, however there is limited quantifiable evidence of their impact on collaborations between researchers.
Methods: A survey and longitudinal social network analysis (SNA) of researcher members of a national US tele-health-focused research consortium from baseline to 4 years. An online survey collected member demographics, consortium activities, and collaborative relationships among the member list. SNA outcomes were network density (percent of total possible connections) and average connections.
Results: Membership increased from 167 researchers at baseline to 351. 41% (145) of members responded to the survey including 98 who were members at baseline and follow up. Respondents were 53% female, 65% White, 25% Asian, 37% medical doctors, and 61% held a non-clinical doctorate. Overall, 38% agree they found new collaborations and 41% saw a benefit to their work. Members were more likely to make new collaborations if they reported participating in in-person events (56% vs 35%, p=0.017), engaging with consortium resources for research (59% vs 30%, p<0.001), and applying for consortium-related funding (45% vs 32%, p=0.064). Participation in cyber seminars and newsletters was not associated with collaboration. In SNA, at 4-year follow-up members at baseline increased number of connections from an average of 19 to 39 and increased network density from 25% to 33% as compared to an overall 15% density.
Conclusions: Consortia can contribute to creation of new research collaborations. However, impact can vary depending on type of activity participation. Research consortia leaders should consider implementing activities that promote active consortium participation.
Knowledge, networks & nations: new dynamics of collaboration & competition
Session 1 Monday 30 June, 2025, -