Collaboration in research and the influential factors in Golestan University of Medical Sciences research projects (2005-2007): an academic sample from Iran

 Background: Number of Iranian articles published in ISI journals has increased significantly in recent years. Despite the quantitative progress, studies performed in Iran represent low collaboration in research therefore, we decided to evaluate collaboration in Golestan University of Medical Sciences (GOUMS) research projects. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all GOUMS research projects that had got grants from the university between 2005-2007 were studied. Among 107 research projects included in our study, 102 projects were evaluated and checklists were completed. The researcher's questionnaire was sent to the principle investigators (n= 46) of the projects and eventually 40 questionnaires were collected. Results: The review of 102 research proposals shows that 10 projects (9.8%) have been performed in collaboration with other organizations. Scientific outputs in these projects have been more than projects which were confined to the university (98% compare to 68% p= 0.04). The total cost of the projects under study was a little more than 300,000 US$. In just 12 projects (11.8%) a part of the cost had been provided by organizations outside the university. About 50% of researchers declared that they had chosen their research topic based on their "personal interest". Only 1 project was performed by the demand of nongovernmental organizations and 12 researchers reported no collaboration in their activities. Conclusion: This study shows that collaboration in GOUMS research projects is low. Moreover, collaborations with governmental and nongovernmental organizations are trivial. The scientific outputs in collaborative research projects are much more than other projects.