Identifying International Research Partners thanks to A.I platforms

Category of recipe: Internationalisation through partnerships; Internationalisation through Research activities.

Objective: Enhance international visibility and impact; access funding opportunities and collaborative grants; build interdisciplinary and cross-border research projects; strengthen the university’s research ecosystem.

Short description: This recipe guides researchers in identifying and connecting with relevant international partners using AI-powered research platforms like Semantic Scholar, IBM Watson Discovery, and ResearchGate.

Academic recognition: In this case the recognition is linked with the co-authorship opportunities, and potential for inter-national funding that are facilitated through this Recipe

Level of difficulty: Beginner to medium.

Calendar and time needed: Continuous process; initial partner identification may take 2–4 weeks.

Cost summary: € (Mostly free; premium access to some platforms may be required).

Language and level required: English proficiency beneficial but not compulsory; free online translators (e.g., DeepL) may be used.

Roles and responsibilities:
Teachers/Researchers: Actively search for potential partners using the outlined platforms and initiate contact.
University Research Support Office: Provide training on AI-driven research tools and facilitate partnerships.
International Relations Office: Assist in formalising agreements and collaborations.

Ingredients:
Access to online research platforms (Semantic Scholar, IBM Watson Discovery, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science).
Your research profile (up-to-date publications, keywords, expertise areas).
A clear research focus (defined objectives and thematic areas for collaboration).
Networking tools (LinkedIn, email templates for outreach, university networks).

Steps:

• Step 1: Define your research collaboration goals and identify what you seek in an international partner (expertise, resources, joint publications, funding).
• Step 2: Use AI-powered research discovery tools:
  • Semantic Scholar: search topics, filter by citations, view author networks.
  • IBM Watson Discovery: analyse research trends and leading institutions.
  • Google Scholar/Scopus/Web of Science: find high-impact papers, use “Related Authors” and “Cited By.”
  • ResearchGate: join groups, engage via comments, follow authors’ networks.
• Step 3: Evaluate and shortlist potential partners based on publications, affiliation, citation impact, network connections, and open-access work.
• Step 4: Initiate contact and build collaboration:
  • Craft a personalised email mentioning shared interests and specific papers.
  • Propose an initial pilot collaboration (review paper, data exchange).
  • Request a virtual meeting via Teams or similar.
  • Leverage conferences to network in person.
• Step 5: Formalise and strengthen collaboration:
  • Co-develop a research agenda, define expectations and roles.
  • Identify co-funding opportunities.
  • Sign a Memorandum of Understanding if required.
  • Maintain ongoing communication via shared platforms (Google Drive, Overleaf, Mendeley).

Budget description:

• Cost for the organising institution: minimal (primarily time investment; optional premium platform subscriptions).
• Business model: voluntary researcher-driven initiative; may leverage institutional research grants for premium tool access.
• Budget type / sources of revenue: institutional research funds; grants for AI-tool subscriptions; pilot project funding.

Non-mandatory items:
Resource: Guide on using AI for research discovery; list of international research grants; sample collaboration agreement template.

Tips and tricks:

• Join university-wide research networks to access institutional collaborations.
• Track research impact via Altmetric or Google Scholar Citations.
• Follow up after 10 days if no response; try alternate contact methods (LinkedIn).
• Clarify mutual benefits and roles early to ensure collaboration is productive.