Publication patterns and collaborative dynamics of the fish and wildlife research partnership model

Collaboration and shared governance structures produce research that meets the information and education needs of partners in conservation and natural resource science. These approaches may lead to effective and relevant outcomes by pooling resources and expertise. As environmental challenges evolve, evaluating long-standing research programs for their continued relevance and effectiveness can ensure they are adaptive. The US Geological Survey Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program provides an ideal model system for such evaluation due to its long history, nationwide presence, and formalized multi-institutional partnership structure. Established in 1935, the program facilitates research and education collaborations between federal and state agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations. We used bibliometric analysis of CRU publications from 2000 to 2019 to evaluate the output and impact of the CRU program by quantifying CRU scientist-authored publication numbers and types, research co-authorship networks, collaboration patterns, and changes in research topics. Over the 20-year period, research publication output by CRU scientists more than doubled while maintaining stable citation impact. Collaboration networks within the CRU program expanded and became more decentralized, with increased international co-author partnerships. Recent research themes evolved from assessment of species-specific responses to studies assessing broader impacts to ecosystems, with climate change impacts emerging as a relevant theme. While the CRU program is nearly 90 years old, these trends demonstrate adaptability to the changing information and research needs and the program’s capacity for continued relevance through impactful, collaborative research.