When industry stakeholders collaborate to achieve research goals, they unlock greater access to resources. By pooling investments, research groups secure more funding, and by combining talent, they gain deeper expertise. This collective approach not only advances the industry but also offers participants valuable opportunities to connect with peers, lead innovative projects, tackle critical research questions, and stay at the forefront of technical skill development.
To highlight the impact of collaborative research models (for both the industry and the individuals involved), we spoke with Gary Choquette, Executive Director of Research at PRCI, and a seasoned engineer. His perspective provides valuable insights and emphasizes the importance of collaborative research.
What Collaborative Research Looks Like
In the pipeline industry, collaborative research brings together operators, technology providers, and research contractors. Industry stakeholders come together to “collectively define, refine, and solve complex problems, leading to better outcomes than working alone,” said Gary.
“If I had a problem, it was likely that other people in the industry had those same problems. Either they had encountered it and found a fix, or they didn’t and still didn’t have an answer. Yet.” he added. “Those are the opportunities to create a research project and start the research process together, instead of individually.”
Pathways to Getting Involved
Start Early
Getting involved in collaborative research starts with seeking out opportunities early. These experiences allow for collaborative learning among young professionals.
“When first I got involved with PRCI, it was as a member and I was relatively young,” Gary mentioned. “By and large, most of the participants tended to be more seasoned engineers, which was fine. However, we as an industry are missing an opportunity to transfer knowledge to the next generation. We are looking for the involvement of younger engineers in technical committees and participation in PRCI.”
Join Technical Committees or Industry Groups:
PRCI offers plenty of ways to get involved in the industry for various skill levels, whether that’s taking a PRCI Academy course or joining a Technical Committee. These group environments are gateways to collaborative projects and professional networking. Gary shared that his involvement in PRCI’s technical committees led to leadership roles and then eventually to a full-time staff position, deepening his commitment to knowledge sharing amongst professionals in the industry.
“Exposure to the different technical issues and knowing what some of the answers were, or the process for determining them, was huge to the development of my personal career,” he said. “I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge from rotating equipment, to electronics, to control systems, measurement systems, software development, and beyond. I expanded my technical capabilities to make me kind of a Jack-of-all-Trades, which, from a career standpoint, really honed my skill sets.”
Making the Most out of Participation
Meaningful participation requires more than just showing up. “You get out what you put in,” Gary shares. He urges professionals to seek ways to be proactive with their research journey. To maximize impact, he recommends:
- Attending technical meetings
- Networking across generations
- Seeking mentors
- Asking questions, all the time
These habits can widen your research experience and help you gain more from your efforts.
“I would endorse participation and collaboration in PRCI, but I would say that if you can’t do that as a young professional, get involved somehow,” Gary said. “Find a group that you can expand your peer group for those networking opportunities, and you might eventually find yourself in a position to become involved with PRCI in the near future.”
The Broader Impact of Collaborative Research
Collaboration is often the key to solving complex problems. Tackling these challenges may require diverse perspectives and significant resources. By working with industry peers to address widespread issues, you’re driving innovation and creating meaningful impact.
Additionally, collaboration opens doors to networks of experts, mentors, and peers, fostering continuous learning and skill development. This not only contributes to the task at hand but also positions you for future career success.
Get Involved
Getting involved in collaborative research is crucial, not only for the industry but for your growth as well. Learn more about getting involved with PRCI by visiting our webpage on membership benefits: https://www.prci.org/Membership.aspx