Smarter together: Helping complex research teams work efficiently
About the Team Science Component
The CCTS Team Science component helps research teams work more effectively by applying evidence-based strategies drawn from the science of team dynamics. While most research teams form organically—without formal guidance—decades of research show that intentional teamwork practices lead to stronger collaboration, improved outcomes, and more innovative science.
Our approach is rooted in the science of team science (SciTS)—a cross-disciplinary field focused on understanding and improving how research teams collaborate. SciTS provides practical, evidence-based strategies for everything from goal alignment and communication, to conflict resolution and leadership in complex team environments.
In translational research, collaboration is especially complex. Teams often span disciplines, departments, and institutions, forming multi-team systems. These teams frequently encounter preventable challenges that can stall or derail progress. The CCTS Team Science component is designed to help teams address these issues early and effectively.
We offer:
- grant support and planning services
- workshops and training grounded in current research
- ongoing evaluation to support team development over time
and more!
Why should you partner with us?
If you are part of a research team at one of the CCTS partner organizations, we can help you:
- understand your team's collaboration patterns
- build skills for more effective teamwork
- apply best practices tailored to your goals
Leadership and Staff
| Eric Thomas, MD, MPH, Director | [email protected] | 713-500-7958 |
| Eduardo Salas, PhD, Director | [email protected] | 713-348-3917 |
| Gabriela Fernández Castillo, PhD | [email protected] | 713-500-7928 |
The Team Science component is aided by the experience and backgrounds of its personnel:
Eric J. Thomas, MD, MPH, professor of medicine and associate dean for healthcare quality at McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, directs the UTHealth Houston—Memorial Hermann Center for Healthcare Quality and Safety and has conducted pioneering work on measuring team behaviors.
Eduardo Salas, PhD, professor and Allyn R. and Gladys M. Cline chair at Rice University, is a world leader in teamwork and team training.
Gabriela Fernández Castillo, PhD, specializes in understanding and improving how complex, interdisciplinary research teams collaborate to enhance effectiveness in scientific and healthcare settings.
The CCTS Team Science component provides a range of services to support collaboration in research teams from early-stage planning to long-term development.
For assistance with any of the following services, please email Gabi Fernández Castillo at [email protected].
Grant Planning and Team Support
From preparing a competitive multi-site grant application to navigating the early stages of a funded project, we can help. We work with investigators to create a shared plan for team operations — including roles, expectations, and decision-making — and to determine what each site needs in order to participate successfully. We can also assist with logistics for coordinating multiple institutions. Our support is tailored to your project, whether you're just beginning to assemble a team, refining your approach ahead of submission, or troubleshooting coordination challenges on an active award.
Workshops
Our workshops are designed to build essential team science competencies. In our flagship session, Team Science 101, we explore the seven key drivers of team performance and show how organizational principles can be applied to enhance collaboration. We also offer customized workshops upon request, including sessions on conflict management, inclusive collaboration, and other topics tailored to your team's needs.
Grant Services
We also support research development through grant services, including being written into multi-PI grant proposals as team science experts and providing multi-PI grant review to strengthen collaborative aims and team structures.
Events and Trainings
Stay connected and keep learning by participating in our events, including talks, lunch-and-learn sessions, and interactive workshops.
View the CCTS calendar.
Recommended readings and media
This resource contains the main journals, pertinent articles, books, book chapters, and more, all related to team science: Oxford Bibliographies
Books
 |
Teams That Work: The Seven Drivers of Team Effectiveness, by Scott Tannenbaum and Eduardo Salas |
Articles
Bisbey, T. M., Reyes, D. L., Traylor, A. M., & Salas, E. (2019). Teams of psychologists helping teams: The evolution of the science of team training. American Psychologist, 74(3), 278–289. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000419
Hall, K. L., Vogel, A. L., Huang, G. C., Serrano, K. J., Rice, E. L., Tsakraklides, S. P., & Fiore, S. M. (2018). The science of team science: A review of the empirical evidence and research gaps on collaboration in science. American Psychologist, 73(4), 532–548. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000319
Hughes, A. M., Gregory, M. E., Joseph, D. L., Sonesh, S. C., Marlow, S. L., Lacerenza, C. N., Benishek, L. E., King, H. B., & Salas, E. (2016). Saving lives: A meta-analysis of team training in healthcare. Journal of Applied Psychology, 101(9), 1266–1304. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000120
Suggested conferences
INGRoup, the interdisciplinary network for group research. Learn more at ingroup.net.
For assistance, please email Gabi Fernández Castillo at [email protected].