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Experiences from long-term research cooperation between Costa Rican, Nicaraguan, and Swedish institutions
C Hogstedt1, A Ahlbom, A Aragon
1National Institute for Working Life, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
This study highlights successful research collaboration between Sweden and Central America, training 24 professionals and producing 15 international publications. A "sandwich" training model is recommended for sustainable global research partnerships.
Area of Science:
- International scientific collaboration
- Research capacity building
- Global health research
Background:
- Long-term research cooperation between Swedish and Central American institutions.
- Training of researchers and teachers from Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize experiences from a long-term international research collaboration.
- To evaluate the impact of a "sandwich" training model.
- To provide recommendations for sustainable research partnerships.
Main Methods:
- Documenting training outcomes: 24 researchers/teachers trained, 10 Swedish students.
- Tracking publications: 3 doctoral theses, 3 licentiate theses, 15 international journal articles, numerous conference abstracts.
- Implementing a "sandwich" model: Southern researchers collaborate on analysis and writing in Sweden while conducting data collection in their home countries.
Main Results:
- Successful training of 24 researchers and teachers.
- Significant publication output: 15 international articles and numerous abstracts.
- Positive impact on research culture globalization and international expert training.
Conclusions:
- The "sandwich" model is effective for collaborative research and training.
- Long-term (8+ years) and substantial collaboration is crucial for success.
- Strategies to mitigate brain drain are essential for sustainable capacity building.