Webinar: Consortium building
The organizers established the webinar to address the u'GOOD Research Programme's expectation that projects be implemented through consortia, which function as instruments to support team science and operationalize the Community of Practice (CoP). They intended this model to foster collective learning, sustainability, and impact across diverse project partner contexts. Recognizing the inherent challenges in developing consortia based on equitable collaboration and mutual respect, the organizers designed the event to strengthen researcher and programme capacities through shared experiences.
They set the primary objectives to:
- Provide a platform to build a shared understanding of equitable consortia in the context of team research focused on young people in the Global South.
- Identify the key principles necessary for effective consortium partnerships, specifically including equity, co-creation, and resource sharing.
Structure and Content
Dr Angelique Wildschut facilitated the webinar overall and introduced consortium building incorporating a relational wellbeing approach. Key segments of the program included:
- Case Reflections: Dr Sarah McMillan led a "Practice in Action" session and provided specific reflections on the lessons learned from building and managing a multi-institution consortium.
- Interactive learning: Breakout groups led participants in reflecting on their experiences, focusing on the strengths partners bring, what is needed to co-create effectively, and what shared systems would strengthen their collaborative work.
- Conclusion: The facilitators concluded the event with a plenary sharing session and closing reflections that outlined available support and invited participants to ongoing peer learning or a community of practice.