Chapter 13
A Different Way of Imagining a Collaborative Research Group
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Abstract
At one time, most of the storytellers in this volume have been members of a higher degree by research (HDR, doctoral) group enrolled in one of the schools within the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Faculty at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. They met with a shared interest in exploring their doctoral journey experiences, with a particular focus on what drives and sustains doctoral students on their journey. The initial aim of the group was to explore the aspirations, expectations, motivators, and challenges experienced by doctoral students with a particular focus on those issues experienced by international students. Having both domestic and international doctoral students in the group allowed different experiences to be compared, as well as develop social contacts and networks in different schools. Members formed a multicultural group which developed cultural awareness and understanding of different ways of seeing and doing. Our differences would influence and also impact on our interactions with each other and the group’s progress. Differences were resolved through creating an environment that supported and encouraged members to openly contribute to group discussions and share different perspectives, enriching our individual learning experiences.
Over a four-year period, the group evolved to become something more than initially intended or expected. With time, members completed their doctoral studies and moved into new positions, some moving away to other states and overseas. Today, eight storytellers remain as active members. This chapter is their story of being a member of a large research group, later named UCNIS (University Collaborative Network of Interdisciplinary Studies). They share the challenges and shifts encountered in being part of a large research group. Their story highlights the importance of respectful and open dialogue and collegiality in order to effectively work together as a large collaborative group, as well as being willing to support each other. With time, strong friendships developed that still exist today.