| by Kyle Morrison We like to think that our species, Homo sapiens, is unique. We’ve crafted a multitude of intricate societies, vibrant cultures, and a vast array of languages. Not to mention, we have basically inhabited every climate zone earth has to offer. But how? Contrary to common belief, it is not because our genes are selfish or that we were the smartest species on the plains of eastern Africa a mere 100,000 years ago. After all, selfishness and intelligence is hardly unique to us (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LotIelkiZHM for an impressive act of animal intelligence). In fact, it is likely the opposite; friendliness and collaboration is likely the greatest attributor to the success of human society (Hare, 2017). |  Photo by Kyle Morrison |
Despite friendliness and collaboration being key to the success of humanity, collaboration in science remains scarce. To understand why, we must consider the current state of science. There is a pervasive culture of "publish or perish," exacerbated by the intense competition for academic positions. Researchers may perceive collaboration as detrimental to their own progress. After all, why invest time in helping others when they could be future competitors for the same jobs?
I pose that this ‘selfish’ attitude which appears frequently in science is costly. When scientists, especially early career researchers, work in isolation and don't contribute to projects beyond their own, they miss out on the huge benefits that come from diverse perspectives and outside expertise. Collaborators outside one's 'echo chamber' can provide fresh insights, challenge assumptions, and introduce new approaches that can significantly improve the quality and impact of research. Plus, collaboration often leads to more opportunities for co-authorship, which can help boost one's publication record and academic profile. This not only advances individual careers but also speeds up scientific progress as a whole. By not embracing collaboration, we’re missing out on both personal and collective gains, making it crucial to promote a more cooperative research environment.
Using today’s technology, international collaboration is easier than ever. The pandemic promoted a range of video calling apps such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, which allow face-to-face meetings globally without needing to leave the comfort of your own office. Meanwhile, version control software such as GitHub allows collaboration on code, which not too long ago was a difficult task. Additionally, platforms like Slack facilitates seamless project management and communication, enabling teams to stay organized and on track no matter where they are in the world. These tools have revolutionized the way we work together, making it possible to collaborate effectively and efficiently even when we are physically separate. Given the benefits and the fact that is easier than ever, maybe in today’s academic world, it may be worth considering what got us here in the first place and just be friendly and collaborate.
References
- Hare, B., 2017. Survival of the friendliest: Homo sapiens evolved via selection for prosociality. Annual review of psychology, 68, pp.155-186.
- Hare, B. and Woods, V., 2021. Survival of the friendliest: Understanding our origins and rediscovering our common humanity. Random House Trade Paperbacks.
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