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Science of Team Science

What is Team Science?

Team Science, often referred to as the “Science of Team Science” (SciTS), is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and enhancing the processes, structures, and outcomes of collaborative research efforts (Stokols et al., 2008; Hall et al., 2012; National Research Council, 2015). It integrates theories and methods from areas such as organizational behavior, psychology, communication, science and technology studies, sociology and management to examine how scientific teams can work together more effectively (Fiore, 2008; Bennett et al., 2010). By identifying factors that influence team dynamics—such as leadership styles, communication practices, team composition, and institutional support—Team Science aims to improve the design, conduct, and evaluation of research teams, ultimately fostering innovation and more impactful scientific discoveries (Cummings & Kiesler, 2007; Stokols et al., 2008; National Research Council, 2015).

  • Bennett, L. M., Gadlin, H., & Levine-Finley, S. (2010). Collaboration & team science: A field guide. National Institutes of Health.

  • Cummings, J. N., & Kiesler, S. (2007). Coordination costs and project outcomes in multi-university collaborations. Research Policy, 36(10), 1620–1634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2007.09.001

  • Fiore, S. M. (2008). Interdisciplinarity as teamwork: How the science of teams can inform team science. Small Group Research, 39(3), 251–277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496408317797

  • Hall, K. L., Vogel, A. L., Stipelman, B., Stokols, D., Morgan, G., & Gehlert, S. (2012). A Four-Phase Model of Transdisciplinary Team-Based Research: Goals, Team Processes, and Strategies. Translational behavioral medicine, 2(4), 415–430. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13142-012-0167-y

  • National Research Council. (2015). Enhancing the effectiveness of team science. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/19007

  • Stokols, D., Hall, K. L., Taylor, B. K., & Moser, R. P. (2008). The science of team science: Overview of the field and introduction to the supplement. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(2, Suppl.), S77–S89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2008.05.002

Team Science at ESIIL

At ESIIL, we believe in fostering open science and improving the science of team science (SciTS). We are committed to fostering transformative science through the leveraging of team science insights, training, and research. Our members offer leadership, organizational and cultural value and other team science training to support the transdisciplinary research happening across CIRES. 

We also conduct research using often overlooked qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups to understand how research teams arrive at ‘discovery moments,’ how cultural and organizational values influence team dynamics, and the role of diversity in improving research outcomes. 

Resources

There are a variety of authoritative sources, training materials, and professional networks dedicated to the Science of Team Science (SciTS). Some of the most respected and widely used resources include:

National Academies Report

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Team Science (2015) published by the National Academies Press is a landmark report which offers an in-depth examination of factors influencing team-based research and provides evidence-based strategies for improving team dynamics and outcomes.

NIH Collaboration & Team Science: A Field Guide

Developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this guidebook is a comprehensive, practical resource for researchers new to or experienced in collaborative work. It covers topics like communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and building trust in interdisciplinary teams.

Team Science Toolkit (From the National Cancer Institute)

The Team Science Toolkit is a free, interactive website that curates a wide range of resources related to SciTS. It includes measures, practical tools, bibliographies, and case studies to support the development, evaluation, and management of research teams.

Academic Centers, Programming and Materials

  • The annual Science of Team Science conference brings together practitioners, researchers, and scholars to share the latest findings, tools, and best practices.

  • NAS Science of Team Science 

  • International Network for the Science of Team Science: https://www.inscits.org/

  • Hall, K. L., Vogel, A. L., & Croyle, R. T. (Eds.). (2019). Strategies for Team Science Success: Handbook of Evidence-Based Principles for Cross-Disciplinary Science and Practical Lessons Learned from Health Researchers. Springer. 

  • Wang, D., & Barabási, A.-L. (2021). The science of science. Cambridge University Press.

  • Bozeman, B., & Youtie, J. (2017). The strength in numbers: The new science of team science. Princeton University Press.