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Collaborating & Networking

Research Development provides a series of programs to strengthen and facilitate new collaborations and partnerships  both internal and external to the university. From simple conversations over coffee to long-term commitments to Communities of Scholars, these programs seek to match faculty interests, share expertise, and nurture new cross-disciplinary relationships.

Seeking Partnerships for Research, Knowledge, and Science (SPARKS) events pursue new research partnerships among UT Knoxville and UTIA faculty. The goal is to bring together or more disciplines together, focused on a common interest or research opportunity.  These events general last from 1.5 to 3 hours, and they often include facilitated activities, such as speed networking and/or lightning talks.

Research Development staff work with research leaders to identify topic areas and invitation lists. In addition to fostering introductions between faculty and breaking down disciplinary silos, faculty leave with a list of potential collaborators, their research interests, and contact information. This low-risk approach to collaborations enables UT Knoxville and UTIA faculty to build their research networks, as appropriate, and develop more comprehensive, competitive research proposals for external funding opportunities.

Faculty members who would like to suggest topic areas for future SPARKS events should contact avcrd@utk.edu

Known by many names (such as team science, or inter/multi/transdisciplinary), convergence research is a means of addressing complex societal problems through integration across disciplines. Additional techniques and training can help researchers work together more effectively on complex, shared problems.

Contact the toolbox manager for a customized consultation about your project’s needs. Explore UT’s Broader Impacts Network to connect with local convergence resources to transform the way your team works together. Visit the external links below for an excellent overview of current best practices in conducting convergence research.

Critical Links


We encourage the growth of research affinity groups that cross disciplinary boundaries through the Communities of Scholars. Objectives include supporting interdisciplinary scholarship; encouraging new, collaborative research directions; and submitting proposals for external funding.

  • AI: Foundations and Science-Informed Advancements
  • Biomembranes
  • Climate Justice
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forrestry
  • Food and Nutrition Security
  • Illuminate Digital Scholars
  • Immunology and Inflammation
  • Intersectionality
  • Latinx/e Engagement
  • Microplastics
  • STEM Education and Research
  • Substance Misuse

For more information on the Communities of Scholars, contact Diana Moyer (dmoyer@utk.edu).

Scientific topics are complex and often hard to explain, but researchers need to establish meaningful dialogue with diverse audiences to communicate the impact of their work and how it contributes to the public good. Using best practices in science communication can help researchers shift their messaging to engage with external stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, industry and community partners, and the general public.

Contact the toolbox manager for a customized consultation about your project’s needs. Explore UT’s Broader Impacts Network to connect with local partners to create an appropriate communication strategy. Share news about your research, scholarship, or creative activities with our Research Communications team. Visit the external links below for an excellent overview of current best practices in science communication.

Critical Links

 

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