Why this work?

National Estuarine Research Reserves have been designing and implementing collaborative science projects since 2009. Collaborative science in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) has emphasized research projects that integrate scientists and end users to co-create knowledge. These collaborative processes integrate diverse perspectives, interests, and resources, which can elevate the science and application of a project but can also generate conflict along the way. This project will bring together the shared experiences of reserves in managing conflict during collaborative research projects. It will synthesize lessons learned about managing conflict in collaborative science and create a curriculum, resources, and peer-to-peer training to share this knowledge and best practices. It will increase knowledge and awareness about the kinds of conflict that arise during collaborative science projects, the causes and consequences of conflict, and the times or phases of a project when conflict is most likely. 

About this project

The project team will meet to share examples of conflict and conflict resolution strategies from collaborative science projects involving their reserves. They will also share their needs for conflict resolution knowledge and skills based upon their reserves experiences and needs. Team members will then conduct follow-up phone interviews to generate conflict management case studies based on conflict examples experienced by reserves.

They will also delve deeper into specific resources reserves need for managing conflict. The team will draw from these experiences and needs to develop Conflict Management for Collaborative Science training materials. The project team will apply for ADDIE model of instructional design for developing learning materials and activities. This includes Assessment and Analysis (needs assessment), Design, Development, Implementation (pilot), and Evaluation.

Finally, the Conflict Management for Collaborative Science training will be piloted at a reserve and delivered in full at the 2018 NERRS Annual Meeting. Team members will evaluate the pilot training and final training to shape the curriculum, resources, and training into their final forms for use within the NERRS and beyond.

Project lead and contact

Christine Feurt, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Email: [email protected]

To learn more, view the project fact sheet (PDF).