Building a research team means finding the best mix of people and perspectives to approach a complex topic. It also means striving for genuine diversity, addressing hierarchies and creating a space where everyone can work together. Research teams are not just made up of researchers; they might include support experts and external partners, all with different backgrounds and levels of experience. No matter who is involved, in equitable and inclusive environments everyone helps make decisions through flexible ways of working and clear communication. Work is shared responsibly and all members get credit for their contributions. By taking up these actions, your team can pioneer a collaborative practice that results in more impactful research.
Teams thrive when everyone feels included and supported. When people from different backgrounds work together, it pushes everyone to find common ground, even while holding different viewpoints. By sharing resources, research support experts, early career researchers and colleagues from non-traditional backgrounds and in Global South can take on more significant roles that remove power imbalances and deliver adequate recognition. Better opportunities and recognition within a project can open doors beyond it, helping to develop and secure everyone’s careers. Ultimately, by pushing the boundaries of inclusion, your team can make research more beneficial to everyone.
Valuing Voices is a partnership project between colleagues from the University of York and Mahidol University.
Valuing Voices is a two-year project funded by Wellcome under the Institutional Funding for Research Culture grant.
