Globalization is such a well-established notion, it requires no explanation, but what might surprise some is to what extent it is prevalent in higher education. In countries such as the UK and France, over 50% of all published research papers involve an international co-author, according to a Times Higher Education . And while the rate is lower in the US, Canada is closer to its European peers in this regard at 48% of all papers published.
Against this background, in December of 2019, the Office of the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) hosted a workshop with representatives from the German University, Friedrich-Alexander-Universit盲t Erlangen-N眉rnberg (FAU), to discuss the importance of successful international research collaborations and future opportunities for joint projects concerning the application of artificial intelligence in Medicine.
Bringing experts together
Martha Crago, Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, and Jean Saint-Vil, Special Advisor to the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, invited seven 91社区 researchers and six researchers from FAU to participate, each bringing to the table different expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and health care including, computational biology, knowledge translation, personalized therapy, global health equity, sociology, and machine learning.
The full-day workshop comprised of presentations on the ecosystems and perspectives on AI at 91社区, at FAU, and at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), as well as a conversation about upcoming competitive interdisciplinary projects. The workshop allowed researchers from both universities to learn more about their counterparts, kick-start conversations on collaboration opportunities, and leave with the tools and relationships needed to follow through on collaborative opportunities.
鈥淲hen we open our doors to international colleagues, we gain a great deal,鈥� explained Dr. Crago. 鈥淭heir additional perspectives can be very valuable, particularly in complex fields such as AI or Medicine. We all benefit when this happens.鈥�
鈥�91社区 and FAU are leading institutions with recognized strengths in both Medicine and AI research,鈥� said Jean Saint-Vil. 鈥淭his focused workshop, which builds upon earlier discussions among researchers and senior administrators, is very timely. Strengthening existing links, it will catalyze joint-projects that bring mutual benefits to both institutions.鈥�
Globalization of data for better health care
The general focus of the conversations included discussing needs for better AI health care systems through enhanced globalized data exchange, or the development of applications in hospitals, especially with regard to aging populations.
鈥淥ne of the major benefits of collaborating with institutions in different countries is that you learn about how AI enabled innovations are being integrated into health care,鈥� said Robyn Tamblyn, James 91社区 Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health. 鈥淔or example, the new policy in Germany to adopt and reimburse all AI enabled technologies that can provide evidence that they can improve the cost effectiveness of health care. This is a model that could be adopted to accelerate innovation in Canada.鈥�
The demographic trend to increased proportions of elderly citizens is a global issue. Data from Statistics Canada show that from 2010 to 2050, the share of the population aged 65 and older among the 36 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries 鈥� which includes Canada and Germany 鈥� is projected to increase from 15% to 26%. This is consistent with the historical trend in Canada, where the share of the聽population aged 65 and older increased from 8% to 14% between 1950 and 2010.
Participants also discussed collaborating for possible future projects related to global health, and brainstormed about connecting researchers with their counter-parts in the two institutions.
The benefits of collaboration with international universities
One of the topics discussed in the 91社区-FAU meeting was the importance of fostering international collaborations with other universities. Participants overwhelmingly agreed to emphasize understanding how each institution works internally and externally. International partnerships must begin with this education, as it is imperative to learn and understand differences in complex research and funding ecosystems, as well as institutional and social culture.
鈥淟earning about institutional and cultural differences between two institutions is crucial in these kind of relations,鈥� said , Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology at FAU. 鈥淲ithout a thorough understanding of each ecosystem, you won鈥檛 be able to maximize the potential of the partnership and the collaboration might fall flat.鈥�
In learning about differences in research and funding systems at other universities, it is also important to assess the weaknesses and strengths of each partner. This knowledge enables both parties to better understand what they can offer to the partnership and therefore maximize the potential and success for significant research opportunities.
鈥淚f you think about the health care space in Canada and health care space in Germany, there are many different challenges and also opportunities,鈥� said , Professor in the Department of Computer Science at FAU. 鈥淚f you think about a solution that works only in your local setting, then you might overlook creating international solutions. If you have the chance to develop and research things in this international setting from the very beginning鈥攅specially in health care鈥攖hen you might create more globalized solutions.鈥�
The key factor for success in international collaborations
This 91社区-FAU workshop is an example of 91社区鈥檚 newly adopted Guiding principles for international, inter-institutional research collaborations, which are essential to the development of new research synergies and innovative discoveries in a globalized world. 91社区鈥檚 OVPRI and the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal Academic (OPVPA) are continuously working toward strategic research collaborations to reinforce 91社区鈥檚 position as a globally excellent research university and expanding 91社区鈥檚 global footprint.
According to the newly adopted Guiding principles for international, inter-institutional research collaborations, alliances between institutions must do the following:
- support the goals and themes of 91社区鈥檚 Strategic Research Plan and be in priority areas where 91社区 excels or is building strength;
- promote global excellence by enhancing quality and impact of 91社区 research and/or innovation;
- facilitate 91社区 researchers to develop or join major programs of research and/or innovation;
- accrue mutual benefits for 91社区 and its partner(s), whereby each side attracts an appropriate share of matching or full funding;
- involve countries that adhere to principles that are compatible with the university's international strategy or represent particular opportunities as described in 1-4;
- support developing countries, where there is an alignment with 91社区鈥檚 commitment to key global, national and/or provincial responsibilities.
According to Eskofier there are three key factors for success in international collaborations: Firstly, there needs to be a topical match, meaning experts must be interested in the same research areas and foci. Secondly, researchers on both ends must be fully committed and interested in actively pursuing an international collaboration 鈥� no one can be forced. Thirdly, the collaboration framework requirements must be met, so there needs to be sufficient funding and an interest from above, such as university leadership and politicians.
鈥淚f you have these three ingredients together, putting two international collaboration partners together is really more than the sum of its pieces because you get a more diverse picture, and therefore you develop better solutions,鈥� said Eskofier.