Answer the five key questions

Ask the following questions when looking for core project development partners:

1. What competencies that you don't have are essential to the success of this project?
   • Do you know someone with those competencies?
2. Who has previously published in this area?
   • Do they need to be included as a core partner?
3. Is this a strictly scientific project, or is there a commercial, policy or societal aspect to it?
   • Do you need to include industry, government or societal partners?
4. What are your potential partners' motivations to join?
   • Think both professionally and personally. Is it for the science, prestige, salary, status?
5. How important is this collaborator to the success of the project?
   • Is this collaborator essential or a “nice-to-have”?