{"id":18,"date":"2021-05-10T21:24:23","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T01:24:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research-dev.utk.edu\/research-development\/?page_id=18"},"modified":"2025-08-15T12:04:59","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T16:04:59","slug":"collaborating-networking","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/research-development\/collaborating-networking\/","title":{"rendered":"Collaborating & Networking"},"content":{"rendered":"

Research Development provides a series of programs to strengthen and facilitate new collaborations and partnerships \u00a0both 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.<\/p>\n

<\/svg> Seeking Partnerships for Research, Knowledge, and Science<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
\n

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 two or more disciplines focused on a common interest or research opportunity.\u00a0 These events general last from 1.5 to 3 hours, and they often include facilitated activities, such as speed networking and\/or lightning talks.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Faculty members who would like to suggest topic areas for future SPARKS events should contact\u00a0avcrd@utk.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/svg> Convergence Research<\/a><\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n

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

Contact the toolbox manager for a customized consultation about your project\u2019s needs. Explore UT\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Critical Links<\/strong><\/p>\n