A Center Model

for Building Collaboration Networks Marilyn L Pifer, PhD

AIARD Annual Conference, June 1, 2015

Center program case study

• Basic Research and Higher Education

(BRHE) Program in Russia 1998-2013

• 20 university-based centers

• Diverse scientific fields, 18 cities

• Young investigators at the focus

• Research, Education, Collaboration goals

• Joint US (NGO) – Russian (gov) program

Program rationale

• Baseline conditions:

– Aging professoriate

– Missing generation

– Waning student interest in science

– Extremely low mobility

– Separation of education and research

• Model modern research universities

• Integrate research with education

• Counteract brain drain

Program strategy

• Multidisciplinary approaches

• Research opportunities for students

• New curricula, textbooks, degree programs

• Up-to-date equipment

• Incentivize collaboration

Add-ons:

• Technology commercialization

• Professional skills training

• Additional competitive grants

Geography matters (some)

We must get together!

Involve young investigators

Share your toys

Sometimes formality is needed

Lessons Learned

• Build your network to include fresh ideas

– Multidisciplinarity biases toward collaboration

• Aim for recurring face to face contact

– Limited group, but not static or exclusive

– If you organize it, they will come!

• Push participation of young investigators

– Design specific opportunities for them

• Serendipity happens

Thanks for your attention!

mpifer@crdfglobal.org

Encourage informal connections