Interdisciplinary research teams face significant challenges in coordinating diverse expertise, managing data across multiple institutions, and fostering effective communication. This panel will showcase practical tools, frameworks, and strategies for enhancing collaboration in large, distributed research teams. Drawing from experiences in NSF and NIH-funded initiatives, including Biology Integration Institutes (BIIs), Clinical and Translational Science Institutes (CTSI), and other interdisciplinary programs, panelists will discuss tools and strategies for improving team coordination, knowledge integration, and long-term sustainability.

With increasing expectations for team-based science across funding agencies and institutions, this session will provide attendees with tangible, field-tested approaches for supporting interdisciplinary research teams at various career stages and organizational scales.

Key Topics & Discussion Points:
Defining Roles & Responsibilities: Utilizing RACI matrices, leadership structures, and project management strategies to clarify contributions in interdisciplinary teams.

Data & Knowledge Management: Best practices for collaborative data governance, shared repositories, and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles.

Interdisciplinary Communication & Integration: Strategies for bridging disciplinary divides and aligning expectations across research cultures.

Training & Capacity Building: Skill-building programs, micro-credentials, and mentoring structures that support early-career researchers in team science environments.

Evaluating Team Science Success: Methods for assessing collaboration effectiveness, including network analysis, qualitative feedback, and impact metrics.

Audience Takeaways:
Awareness of practical tools and resources to improve interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and data management.
Case studies demonstrating team science implementation across different domains.
Insights on scaling and sustaining collaborative research efforts beyond initial funding cycles.