Collaboration and Competition Between Groups

Approved by Network Executive Committee on 6/20/01)

The Pharmacogenetics Research Network (PGRN) will be most productive if it operates as a single entity comprised of semi-independent Groups. As the number of Research Groups increases, there is greater opportunity for collaboration, as well as an increasing likelihood of scientific overlap between Research Groups. To date, overlap has been managed at the discretion of the Group PIs, which has resulted in new collaborations.

With the development of gene lists for each Research Group, scientific overlap is readily identifiable. It is the responsibility of all PIs to support collaboration whenever feasible and to avoid counterproductive competition (involving Network-funded research) between Groups. This collaboration may include sharing of nonpublic data, sharing of samples (with appropriate consent) and/or full scientific integration.

New Research Groups joining the Network share in the responsibility to seek collaboration. New PIs should screen the existing gene list for potential overlap and contact the existing PIs as appropriate. Where overlap exists between existing Research Groups and new Research Groups, the burden of seeking collaboration and avoiding duplication of effort falls equally on all involved PIs. There will be no bias in favor of existing Research Groups.

There is also the potential for overlap between two or more new Research Groups. Each new PI should submit gene lists to PharmGKB as soon as possible, so that areas of overlap can be promptly identified. Existing groups should ensure that their lists remain current. As discussed above, collaborations should be fostered and duplication of effort minimized. The Network Program Director may also identify potential scientific overlap, which should be communicated to all involved PIs.

It is hoped that all overlap will be managed in a way acceptable to all involved. In the rare case where this does not occur, the Program Director (and other relevant NIH staff) should be notified. Conflicts and direct competition between Research Groups involving Network-funded research should be discussed with the Program Director and the relevant NIH staff. They may consult with the Steering Committee, and if a satisfactory resolution is not reached, conflicts will be settled through the arbitration process outlined in the terms and conditions of award for RFAs GM-99-004 and GM-00-003 (see http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Initiatives/PGRN/ for both RFAs, found under Archives).