Collaborative Research in a Virtual World: The Implications of COVID-19 Social Distancing for the Co-Production of Environmental Knowledge & Solutions

Abstract:

Collaborative research between researchers and practitioners, which has traditionally relied on in-person interaction, is a setting where social distancing and the move to virtual methods may be having a significant impact. Many studies have enumerated benefits of forms of collaborative research, such as participatory research or co-production. Yet these forms of more interactive research may also be costly depending on the predominant mode of engagement and interaction that is used to facilitate this process. Face-to-face interactions, for example, require financial and logistical resources to bring researchers and practitioners together, and it may require significantly more time and effort when compared to virtual collaboration. However, even though virtual collaboration may lack some of the nuances of face-to-face collaboration, such as the limited ability to observe one’s body language and facial cues, some exploratory research has suggested the benefits of virtual engagement may be comparable to in-person interaction in many respects. The current moment provides a compelling opportunity to take a comparative look at collaborative research projects just prior and subsequent to the onset of COVID-19 social distancing. We present results on a rapid response study where we evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the collaborative research process. By using survey responses from leaders and participants of research projects where social distancing went into effect midway through their performance, we analyze how the modes, intensities, and quality of interactions shifted over the course of the project. These results have implications for researchers, practitioners, and funders interested in pursuing (or supporting) more collaborative forms of research.