A complete guide on how to collaborate on writing a research paper, with a focus on tips for African researchers working in international teams.
Collaborating on a research paper is an exciting opportunity to pool knowledge, access diverse resources, and increase the impact of your work. For African researchers, especially those partnering with academics from the Global North or more senior scholars, collaboration can also open doors to funding, mentorship, and publication in high-impact journals.
However, collaboration comes with its own challenges—differences in expectations, unequal power dynamics, and time management issues can derail even the most promising projects. This article offers practical tips on how to collaborate effectively and ethically on a research paper.
How to Collaborate on Writing a Research Paper: Tips for African researchers working in international teams
1. Start with Clear Roles and Expectations
Whether you’re initiating the project or joining an existing one, make sure that everyone agrees on:
- The research question
- Authorship order and responsibilities
- Deadlines for drafts and revisions
- Communication channels (e.g., email, WhatsApp, Zoom)
Use a shared document or collaboration agreement to write these down. This helps avoid confusion and gives everyone a reference point when things get busy.
2. Leading the Writing Process
If you’re leading the paper—congratulations! That’s a valuable experience. Your role is to:
- Coordinate inputs from all team members
- Set timelines and follow up regularly
- Compile and edit drafts into a coherent paper
- Ensure that all contributors meet ethical and academic standards
Use tools like Google Docs, Overleaf (for LaTeX), or Mendeley for real-time collaboration and reference management. Keep communication open, respectful, and consistent.
3. Managing Time Across Different Schedules
Academic calendars vary across countries and institutions. Clarify from the start when key team members are likely to be available or busy. Build in time buffers for feedback, and use tools like:
- Trello or Notion for tracking tasks
- Calendly for scheduling meetings across time zones
- Google Calendar reminders for deadlines
Be patient—especially when collaborators are juggling multiple projects or teaching loads.
4. Navigating Power Dynamics
Working with more senior academics or researchers from the Global North can feel intimidating. But remember: your voice and contribution matter. You bring critical local knowledge, lived experience, and original insights—especially in research based in Africa.
To handle power imbalances:
- Communicate assertively but respectfully—you can disagree without being rude.
- Document major decisions—especially around authorship, data ownership, and publication choices.
- Seek allies within the team who understand or support equity in collaboration.
If you feel your contributions are undervalued, raise the issue early and diplomatically. If needed, seek advice from a trusted mentor or institutional research office.
5. Celebrate and Share Credit
Once the paper is submitted or accepted, celebrate your win! Ensure that all collaborators are acknowledged appropriately, and share your findings widely—especially within African academic and practitioner communities. This helps shift the narrative about who produces knowledge and who benefits from it.
Final Thoughts
Collaboration is more than co-authorship—it’s a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. As an African researcher, you have every right to lead, contribute meaningfully, and grow through international partnerships.
By planning well, communicating clearly, and standing in your value, you can co-author research that makes a difference—locally and globally.
