This is the final installment of our 3-part series on government scientists and engineers (GSEs). First we covered who GSEs are and then, secondly, why you should consider collaborations with them. Today we address how you can start making these connections. I’ll also refer to an earlier newsletter that provides a general perspective on what it takes to get information (Detective Work).

Connecting with GSEs

Do a basic Internet search on the names of relevant laboratories and research topics. You’ll find webpages, press releases and, if you’re lucky, technical reports. When you view reports, they’ll often have the names of several employees, frequently with their email addresses.

Example: I searched for ‘Oak Ridge National Laboratory environmental chemistry,’ and quickly got the webpage for the Environmental Sciences Divisions and, specifically, the Environmental Toxicology Laboratory. Several research focus areas are mentioned on their main page, as well as a description of their facilities. Also, they state that they work with other agencies, which include the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, and the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources. On the Staff tab, names, phone numbers and email addresses for over 150 employees are provided. Clicking on these names takes you to a short biography and description of research interests for each person.

When you find a person of interest using this or a similar method, go to Google Scholar and check out what that person has published lately. Remember, some will publish more than others. Do they publish with academics? What else do you see about their publications? Don’t forget; this is detective work!

Not every laboratory website will provide as easy access to potential collaborators as does Oak Ridge. For example, DOD lab websites generally don’t list employees or contact information, but you can use the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) to learn what topics DOD employees are publishing on. As you know, an author’s email address is often provided with a research article. I’ve linked a video below that walks you through how to use DTIC.

Once you have found GSEs of interest, you can search for them on LinkedIn. About half will be there. Send a connection request. While it’s generally okay to send these without a note, if you are seriously considering someone as a potential collaborator, enclose a brief note with the connection request. Write something like:

‘Hi, Dr. [name] -- I saw your recent paper on [topic] and wanted to reach out. Would you have time for a short call in the next week or two?’ If your LinkedIn profile is up to date, you won’t need to explain why you are reaching out because it should be obvious.

Alternatively, or if they are not on LinkedIn, send an email with the subject ‘Your recent paper in [journal]’. Then add a few sentences introducing yourself, describing what you found interesting about the paper, and asking for a meeting.

When you have the meeting, connect on the technical topic. There’s no need to ask about a collaboration at this stage. Just learn what they do and describe your own work. GSEs will be eager to hear about your research. Try to make the connection genuine; over time possible collaboration will come up organically. Consider inviting your new colleague to give a seminar or a talk to your lab group. In what other mutually beneficial ways can you grow the relationship?

It’s also a good idea to ask those at your institution if they can introduce you to someone at a government lab you are targeting. Beyond your chair or dean, you can reach out to the Research Office. They likely know of PIs collaborating with government labs who may be outside your department or school. Even if in a different disciplinary area, these contacts can often facilitate an introduction to someone in the right division within the lab.

As a best practice, follow these organizations on social media. You never know what topics will be highlighted there. A recent press release is an excellent opportunity to reach out to the featured GSE.

Keep in mind, this is a numbers game. If you are not sure if someone is a great fit, reach out. If you talk and the connection doesn’t seem to be there, ask if there is someone they can refer you to -- in their organization or elsewhere. Also, always remember to think about how you can help this other person. Are there introductions to your colleagues you can make? Collaborations are a two-way street, and GSEs are professionals with their own priorities and career goals. Ideally, you’ll be helping them as much as they are helping you.

Summary

This is a complicated but important subject. Below is a summary of the most important strategies.

1. Conduct a big-picture web search for government labs and research keywords

2. Use Google Scholar to find a GSE’s recent publications

3. Check out the Defense Technical Information Center 

4. Look up potential GSE collaborators in LinkedIn and send a message

5. Be sure your LinkedIn page is up to date

6. Preview the prospect’s recent publications to prepare for a call or meeting

7. For decliners, do they know anyone who might have an interest?

8. Ask colleagues at your institution for referrals to GSEs

9. Follow the social media accounts of targeted government laboratories

10. Is there something you might be able to do to help the prospect?

11. Review Wise Investigator newsletter on Detective Work

12. Review Wise Investigator newsletter on Collaborations

Finding GSEs at DOD labs

One way to find GSEs at DOD labs is to use Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). In this video, I take a quick walk through the two tools they offer. You can play around with these to find papers published by PIs who have been funded by DOD and papers published by DOD GSEs.

When you are ready, here’s how we can help

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 10-week program to get you there.

Ready to book a call to discuss our program or to have Dr. Barzyk provide training at your institution? Let’s chat!