TransEET

< Back

1. Project management tools

Efficient project management and interdisciplinary research collaboration requires the adoption of digital tools that facilitate communication, data sharing, and co-creation of documents. In this perspective, platforms such as Google Drive, Trello, Slack, Notion, and Padlet, along with artificial intelligence solutions offer optimized opportunities to improve productivity, inclusivity, and transparency. This text gives a selected overview of these tools to optimize collaboration in research projects, with particular attention to the principles of open access, scientific networking, gender equality, inclusivity, and twinning activities.

Collaboration and Sharing Tools

Google Drive and Its Features

Google Drive is one of the fundamental pillars for collaborative document management, offering a cloud storage space that allows users to upload, organize, and share files in real time with others. Its integration with other Google applications facilitates team collaboration.

  • Google Docs enables collective drafting of scientific articles and project reports, with the possibility of leaving comments and suggestions. Each modification is automatically saved, with access to version history to view changes and restore previous versions.
  • Google Spreadsheet is ideal for collaborative collection and analysis of quantitative data. It offers advanced features such as formulas, dynamic charts, filters, and add-ons for statistical analysis and data visualization.
  • Google Forms facilitates the creation of questionnaires for empirical surveys, with data automatically stored in spreadsheets. Responses are collected in real time and can be analyzed directly or exported for further processing.
  • Google Calendar allows planning meetings, deadlines, and group activities, with real-time synchronized notifications. It enables the creation of shared calendars to coordinate team activities, set reminders, and manage participants’ availability.
Trello and Notion: Visual Project Management

Trello and Notion offer intuitive platforms for project management based on digital boards and cards.

  • Trello organizes tasks according to a Kanban approach, allowing task assignments, deadlines, and progress tracking.
  • Notion integrates database, wiki, and document management functions into a single platform, fostering the creation of shared knowledge bases.
Slack and Padlet: Communication and Brainstorming
  • Slack facilitates asynchronous and real-time communication among team members, with thematic channels and integration with numerous third-party tools.
  • Padlet offers a visual brainstorming platform, ideal for sharing ideas, resources, and feedback in an inclusive and accessible way.
Meeting and Videoconferencing Tools

Videoconferencing platforms play a crucial role in remote collaboration, enabling research teams to communicate in real time and organize virtual meetings. Some of the most widely used tools include:

  • Zoom: Provides advanced features such as screen sharing, session recording, breakout rooms, and automatic transcription.
  • Google Meet: Integrated with Google Workspace, allows organizing video conferences directly from Google Calendar, with automatic subtitles and screen sharing features.
  • Webex: A Cisco platform combining videoconferencing, messaging, and file sharing, with end-to-end encryption options for privacy protection.
Alternatives to Padlet

Padlet is known for its visual brainstorming and collaboration features. However, other platforms offer similar functionalities:

  • Miro: An online collaborative whiteboard supporting brainstorming, planning, and design thinking.
  • Microsoft Teams: Besides messaging and video conferencing, it offers file sharing and real-time collaboration features.
  • Confluence: A collaboration and knowledge management tool enabling teams to create, share, and collaborate on documents and projects.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation

The integration of artificial intelligence tools is revolutionizing scientific research, enhancing productivity and result accuracy.

  • ChatGPT can be used for drafting drafts, reviewing scientific texts, and generating ideas during brainstorming sessions.
  • NotebookLM organizes and synthesizes large amounts of textual data, facilitating bibliographic analysis and literature review.
  • Perplexity is useful for searching updated information, thanks to its ability to provide answers based on reliable and verified sources.
  • Gemini and Midjourney can be employed to generate scientific images and conceptual diagrams, enriching the visual presentation of results.
Alternatives to ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing scientific research, and various AI tools can support different stages of the research process:

  • Claude: An advanced chatbot developed by Anthropic, designed to understand and generate natural text, useful for drafting and reviewing scientific documents.
  • DeepSeek: An open-source AI model excelling in logical reasoning and complex problem-solving, useful for in-depth analyses and simulations. However, for services like DeepSeek, it is important to consider international data security, especially when dealing with sensitive research projects or data. Privacy protection and compliance with data protection regulations must always be evaluated before integrating such tools into workflows.
  • Perplexity: An AI-powered search engine providing answers based on reliable sources, facilitating the search for updated information.

Open Access and Scientific Networking Principles

The combined use of these platforms facilitates the adoption of open access practices, enabling the rapid and secure sharing of research documents with the scientific community. Creating open knowledge bases on Notion or publishing datasets on collaborative platforms like Zenodo or Figshare contributes to the transparent dissemination of knowledge.

Communication tools such as Slack and Google Calendar foster scientific networking, easing the organization of webinars, workshops, and twinning activities between academic institutions.

Inclusivity and Gender Equality

Inclusivity in scientific research is a cornerstone for fostering diverse perspectives, equitable participation, and innovative outcomes. Digital tools and artificial intelligence platforms are essential in dismantling traditional barriers, enabling researchers from different backgrounds and abilities to contribute effectively. Google Workspace facilitates collaboration through real-time editing in Google Docs and seamless communication via Google Meet. Automatic translation and voice typing functions further enhance accessibility for multilingual teams and individuals with disabilities. Slack supports both synchronous and asynchronous communication, offering flexible participation options. Its integration with accessibility tools like voice-to-text applications promotes more equitable interaction. Zoom’s live transcription and breakout rooms foster active participation and provide essential support for hearing-impaired users, making virtual meetings more inclusive.

AI tools such as ChatGPT assist in drafting, translating, and summarizing texts, breaking down language and technical barriers. Visual content generators like Gemini help researchers produce diagrams and illustrations without requiring advanced design skills, while Perplexity simplifies information retrieval through concise, verified summaries.

By combining these digital and AI tools, research teams can create equitable collaborative environments where all members—regardless of language proficiency, technical skills, or physical ability—can contribute meaningfully. Investing in digital inclusivity not only improves research quality but also promotes a more diverse and representative scientific community.