Emailing a professor to invite collaboration on a study

[xyzpsych]

I'm thinking of emailing a professor for advice on a study that I'm conducting with another professor, with the possibility of adding the new professor as a co-author. I'm looking for advices on managing the politics in this process. This is my first time doing this kind of thing so any kind of well-intentioned advice is appreciated. I'm sure there's more I need to know than I'm aware.

And, I'm not sure how likely this issue might arise. What precautions should I take to protect the intellectual property rights of my study, if I don't end up co-authoring with this new professor. I've never met with this person. I know nothing about his personality or character.

Thanks in advance!

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[irish80122]

Very good questions! If this is a big name in the field, let me first warn you that there is about a 50% chance that you will never get a reply to your email. Don't take it personally, they just get a lot of emails, and if you don't hear back then yours likely slipped off the radar.

In your email I would be as straight-forward as possible. Dear Dr. Smith, I am writing because I am conducting research on X at State University with Dr. Williams, and we would appreciate your advice on this research. For sure mention who you are working with, as that will help give you credibility. I would mention that you are open to adding the professor as a co-author. I don't want to have to guess in these situations, and if co-authorship is an option, I am more likely to write back with a really good response.

Once you have the email drafted, run it past the professor you are doing the study with. He/she will likely have suggestions on how to phrase the email to increase your chances of getting a good response.

I may be too laid back, but I rarely worry much about intellectual property rights unless I am sending someone an unpublished manuscript. I tell the field where my research is going at the end of each publication I write in the future directions section, so I don't worry about someone else knowing what research I am conducting. However, opinions vary, and I can count the researchers who are in my niche area on one hand.

I hope that helps some. Good luck with forming the collaboration!

 

[xyzpsych]

I hope that helps some. Good luck with forming the collaboration!

Thank you! You actually gave me some good pointers🙂