Collaborating on Research

A discussion space for those looking to connect about research ideas, to collaborate and share ideas.

Research Network Guiding Principles

Background:

We recognize that midwifery and midwifery research in Canada existed long before legislation and that much of the midwifery history and scholarship has been written within a white colonial narrative. We are building on work that has long been in existence. We are learning and benefiting from the histories and experiences of IBPOC midwives and scholars who have come before us. In more recent years, since provincial regulation, midwifery research has evolved and we are at a time of capacity building of midwifery research across the country. It is an important time to reflect on how midwifery researchers can coordinate, collaborate and support one another to build research capacity within our field and profession.

Purpose:

The Canadian Midwifery Research Network is a collaborative network of midwives and researchers committed to promoting midwifery-led research in Canada. We facilitate research partnerships, offer mentorship and peer support, and share research resources and recent evidence. The Research Network is committed to creating a much needed space for midwifery researchers, including students, midwives and non-midwives.

Values:

• Members may identify as someone who is interested and engaged in midwifery research in Canada.

• We value inclusivity and a wide community of scholars, therefore, members can invite other researchers to attend.

• We respect various and different epistemologies, methodologies and ways of knowing as ways to enrich our community.

• We respect intellectual property of researchers. Research in progress or completed will be shared when appropriate and information will not be shared outside of the meeting unless explicitly given permission from all parties involved.

• We value accountability. We acknowledge that there can never be a perfectly safe space, but strive to be accountable with our words actions and behaviours towards one another.

Conduct in meetings:

• Participants should respect each other’s contribution and not interrupt when someone is speaking.

• We respect each other’s curiosity and questions and can expect compassionate responses.

• Participants should avoid acting or speaking in a way that may be perceived as threatening, racist, bullying, abusive, discriminatory, or derogatory.

• Participants should make sure that their comments are given in a manner that does not amount to personal attack on another individual(s).

• Individual and personal disputes will not be permitted to negatively impact the progression of the meeting.

• Participants who negatively disrupt the meeting will be removed from the zoom platform. This decision will be made by the administrator(s) and host. Follow-up with the participant will take place as soon as possible after the meeting has closed to discuss steps forward.

Role of the leadership team:

The leadership team can include researchers, midwives, midwifery students. They are to uphold the expectations of the network and ensure that the space remains safe for all participants to the best of their ability. The leadership team is also responsible for providing a land acknowledgement, relaying any community announcements and for overall facilitation of the network.

Addressing Conflict:

Dealing with conflict or inappropriate comments is always difficult. If any conflicts, or breaches of safety and/or confidentiality occur during the meeting the leadership team has the right to stop the meeting in order to protect participants from potential harm. This includes if any team members are contacted privately through the chat feature, or otherwise, to end the meeting.