Managing the research process

Drawing further on the illustrative case studies and the chapter authors' own experiences, the third chapter focusses on the challenges of conducting international multidisciplinary research projects once funding has been secured and appropriate structures and procedures have been established. The chapter offers guidance on managing the research process when working with partners from different disciplinary and national research cultures, showing how funders' requirements, the composition of research teams, and mix of disciplines and cultures impact on the research design and methods. Consideration is given to communication and engagement strategies adopted both internally between team members, and externally with funders and other stakeholders, including policymakers, academic institutions and the wider public. The chapter concludes by reviewing and synthesising the lessons learnt from the real-life experiences of the case study project coordinators who managed international multidisciplinary research programmes and projects, and of the team members who participated in small and large-scale collaborations.