Repurposing Sponsored Research Data into Actionable Collaboration Network Analytics

Participants will leave this session with a reusable framework for analyzing and visualizing research collaboration networks. Using freely available tools like Microsoft Power BI, Excel, and NodeXL, they will create interactive network visualizations, gain foundational knowledge in network analytics, and learn to interpret key metrics for data-driven strategic decisions.

Key Questions Addressed:

• Which faculty members are the most collaborative, and how has this changed over time?
• Who are the key connectors holding research teams together, and what is their impact?
• How effective are initiatives aimed at fostering research collaborations?
• What would happen to collaboration networks if key individuals leave, and how can risks be mitigated?
• Where are collaboration gaps, and how can we bridge them effectively?

Software Requirements:

Participants must use a Windows machine:

• Microsoft Power BI Desktop (Free)
• Microsoft Network Visual (Provided ahead of time)
• NodeXL (Free Microsoft Excel Add-in)

Data Requirements: Participants should bring a dataset where possible. A dummy dataset will be provided for those without prepared data. Suggested data includes awards, proposals, or publications with team details (e.g., PI/Co-I names, year), and additional variables like department, sponsor, or funding status.

Session Agenda:

1. Introduction to Network Analytics: Overview of key metrics (e.g., Degree, Betweenness Centrality).
2. Preparing Data for Analysis: Reshape data using Excel’s Power Query.
3. Building Visualizations: Use Power BI to create interactive network visuals.
4. Quantifying Networks: Calculate metrics like density and centrality in NodeXL.
5. Strategic Applications: Explore real-world use cases, including collaboration gap analysis and risk mitigation.

Format: This hands-on workshop will have a detailed guide provided beforehand. Participants will progressively build knowledge, leaving with a robust framework ready for immediate use at their institutions.