These resources can be used to improve the productivity of any team; however, they may be most effectively applied where the products of teamwork are research proposals, implementation of biomedical projects or processes, or products related to innovation.
Team Science Resources
View the following sections for Team Science resources at UNC-Chapel Hill, training, books and articles, CTSA resources, and external resources.
Team Science at UNC-Chapel Hill
- Team Science at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center works on integrating Team Science into existing research programs within UNC Lineberger that are not currently collaborating. It supports emerging areas of interest for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and actively seeks to increase extramural funding for team-based scientific research, including grants and multi-investigator awards (e.g., P's and U's).
- Accelerating Collaborative Team Science (ACTS) is an educational program, based at UNC-Chapel Hill's Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), that fosters collaboration among diverse teams of scientists, to advance multidisciplinary translational research. They offer a blog, mailing list, and host webinars and workshops on various aspects of Team Science, including collaborative writing, data sharing, leadership in scientific collaborations, and the role of AI in research. Visit their website for list of upcoming events.
- UNC's Institute for Convergent Science (ICS) builds and supports imaginative teams with disciplined practices in spaces designed for collaboration. Through creative partnerships and their "Ready, Set, Go" innovation framework, they help move ideas from basic research into transformative applications.
Team Science Trainings
- COALESCE TeamScience.net This self-paced program contains training modules on The Science of Team Science, from the perspectives of behavioral, clinical, or biomedical researchers. There are additional modules on: stakeholder dialogue about evidence-based practice, shared decision-making with individual clients, implementation of evidence-based practice, and collaborative decision-making with communities.
- TeamMAPPS Team Science Modules This self-paced program is designed for scientists and students to enhance their behavioral skills by mastering Team Science concepts through case studies, exercises, self-assessments, reflection, and practical application planning. The modules are: psychological safety, adaptation & correction, facilitating awareness & exchange.
Implementing an evidence-based competency model for team training and evaluation: Team MAPPS (2021). Authors: Tiffany M. Bisbey, Kevin C. Wooten, Maritza Salazar Campo, Theresa K. Lant, and Eduardo Salas
Team Science Books and Articles
- Team Science competencies across the career life course of translational science teams (2024). The article highlights the development of team science competencies for translational science teams across different career stages, emphasizing the need for an adaptive framework to enhance team effectiveness.
Authors: Angela M. Mendell, Verena Knerich, Damayanthi Ranwala, Carolynn T. Jones, Patricia Piechowski, Catherine W. Striley, Wayne T. McCormack, and Jennifer E. Cross - Team science in interdisciplinary health professions education research: a multi-institutional case study (2024). This article examines how an interdisciplinary research team in health professions education collaborates effectively, emphasizing transparent leadership, social learning, and trust-building.
Authors: Peggy Gesing, Joni Tornwall, Violet Kulo, Sarah McBrien, Thuha Hoang, Hyun-Jin Jun, Amanda Burbage, Yuane Jia, and Christina Cestone - Team science competencies for clinical research professionals: A multileveled Delphi approach (2024). This article outlines key competencies for clinical research professionals to improve teamwork and research outcomes, using a Delphi approach to identify 59 essential skills.
Authors: Angela Mendell, Jessica Fritter, Shirley Helm, Bernadette Capili, Laura Hildreth, Kathryn Johnson, Christa Varnadoe, Elizabeth Kopras, Jen Sprecher, Nicole Summerside, Karen Carter, Andrea Ronning, Nicole Exe, H. Robert Kolb, and Carolynn T. Jones - Thriving in An Era of Team Science (2020). This book provides guidance for scientists on succeeding in collaborative research. It offers practical tips, insights from experienced researchers, and case studies on thriving in team-based environments.
Author: Karyn Hede - Individual and team competencies in translational team (2020). This article identifies key competencies for effective translational teams, which are interdisciplinary groups focused on turning scientific research into practical health solutions. It highlights the importance of individual skills, team collaboration, and ongoing training to enhance team performance and innovation.
Authors: Gaetano R. Lotrecchiano, Deborah DiazGranados, Jennifer Sprecher, Wayne T. McCormack, Damayanthi Ranwala, Kevin Wooten, Daniel Lackland, Heather Billings, and Allan R. Brasier - Strategies for Team Science Success (2019). This document outlines evidence-based principles for cross-disciplinary team science, drawing from various fields. It highlights cutting-edge tools and resources for effective collaboration, discusses strategies to overcome barriers and enhances success, and includes first-person accounts of successful Team Science initiatives with practical guidance for adaptation.
Editors: Kara L. Hall, Amanda L. Vogel, and Robert T. Croyle - The science of team science: A review of the empirical evidence and research gaps on collaboration in science. (2018). This is a review, but it has information useful to 'making the case' for obtaining resources to conduct team science.
Authors: Kara L. Hall, Amanda L. Vogel, Grace C. Huang, Katrina J. Serrano, Elise L. Rice, Sophia P. Tsakraklides, and Stephen M. Fiore - Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science (2015). This book highlights research related to characteristics of individuals who comprise teams and the teaming environment, including the influence of institutions and other organizations. There are recommendations on future opportunities, such as virtual collaborations. These results of a consensus study by the National Science Foundation provide information to enhance the effectiveness of collaborative research in science teams, research centers, and institutes.
Editors: Nancy J. Cook and Margaret Hilton - Research Collaboration and Team Science: A State-of-the Art Review and Agenda (2014). This book reviews the importance of collaboration in scientific research and also examines factors influencing collaboration, with a focus on industry-university relations and large-scale research centers.
Authors: Barry Bozeman, and Craig Boardman - Ten principles of good interdisciplinary team work (2013). This article outlines key factors for effective teamwork, including strong leadership, clear communication, personal development opportunities, diverse skills, a supportive environment, shared goals, and mutual respect.
Authors: Susan A. Nancarrow, Andrew Booth, Steven Ariss, Tony Smith, Pam Enderby, and Alison Roots - Collaboration and Team Science: From Theory to Practice (2012). This article explores the essential elements for successful scientific collaboration. It emphasizes the importance of trust, shared vision, strategic team building, and effective communication. The article also discusses strategies to manage conflict, share credit, and promote strong leadership within scientific teams.
Authors: L. Michelle Bennett, and Howard Gadlin - Collaboration and Team Science: A Field Guide (2010). This resource contains examples of many tools including communication plans and conflict resolution plans. The resource has well-developed scenarios to describe both successful and unsuccessful strategies by teams.
Authors: L. Michelle Bennett, Howard Gadlin, and Christophe Marchand
Other CTSA resources
- Penn State Team Science Toolbox: This toolbox, created by the Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute, provides tailored information for novice Team Science practitioners. It includes resources for forming, launching, maturing, and assessing research teams, with tools and tips for each stage to enhance team effectiveness.
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (UC): This page offers resources like team charters, assessment tools, guides, and educational materials to improve research team collaboration and effectiveness. It provides various tools and guides for enhancing collaboration and Team Science.
- TeamScience.net was developed by Northwestern University and it is an interactive, open suite of e-learning resources designed to foster learning and skill development in Team Science.
External resources
- International Network for the Science of Team Science (INSciTS) is a member-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the field of Team Science and the Science of Team Science (SciTS). It brings together researchers, scholars, practitioners, funders, thought leaders, tool developers, policymakers, and institutional leaders from various disciplines and organizations. Their goal is to enhance understanding of collaboration and support Team Science.
- Interdisciplinary Network for Group Research (INGRoup) is an organization that promotes the study of group dynamics through interdisciplinary collaboration. It connects researchers from various fields to share their work, advance theories, and foster collaboration.
- INTEREACH is a community of practitioners and researchers dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among practitioners and researchers to tackle complex challenges. They provide training, resources, and professional development opportunities to enhance teamwork across various fields.
- ITD Toolkits Inventory and Overview of the Landscape of Toolkits were developed by the Inter-and Transdisciplinary (ITD)-Alliance. They have developed an overview of various toolkits for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary processes, including descriptions, sample dashboards, visual aids, and community picks. This is an incredible new resource.
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