Developing collaborative projects: why, how and with whom

As we reach the halfway point towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs), Ll Junhua, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations, has called for a further strengthening of collaborations if we are to make meaningful change. However, COVID-19 and on-going conflict and war has sadly faltered progress towards the SDGs. Addressing complex global development issues requires research grounded in collaborations. Successful projects are built on the development and maintenance of strong equal partnerships between disciplines, sectors and stakeholders (Fransman et al., 2021).

On the 24^th October 2023, The Centre for the Study of Global Development (GSDG) at The Open University was delighted to welcome Professor Norman Sartorius, current President of the Association for the Improvement of Mental Health Programmes and former Director of the Division of Mental Health of the World Health Organization, who spoke on the topic ‘Developing collaborative projects: why, how and with whom’.

Professor Sartorius drew on his extensive experience of leading international studies and projects to discuss the golden rules of collaboration, tips for the selection of partners and the challenges related to the conduct of collaborative studies. The key message at heart of his presentation was that collaboration does not happen by chance but is built on and supported by the building of partnerships based on friendship. 

Listen to Professor Sartorius’ seminar.

Any use of materials in the presentation should acknowledge the authorship of Professor Sartorius and should not be modified in any way.