Whether you are developing a new project, preparing a funding bid, or expanding your research network, finding the right expertise within the University can make a real difference. 

The Portsmouth Research Portal can help you to: 

  • Identify colleagues working in related or complementary fields 
  • Build interdisciplinary collaborations 
  • Strengthen funding applications with relevant expertise 
  • Discover new and unexpected connections 

Five ways to identify collaborators 

1. Search by keywords 

Use keywords that reflect your research area to find both direct and complementary expertise. 

Examples: 

  • Climate change education 
  • Artificial intelligence in healthcare 
  • Childhood environment 

👉Search by keywords 

2. Explore UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

Many researcher profiles are linked to SDGs. This allows you to: 

  • View researchers connected to specific goals 
  • Identify colleagues working on shared global challenges 

Tip: This is particularly helpful when responding to funding calls aligned with SDGs. 

👉 Search by SDGs 

3. Explore research profiles 

Each profile provides useful details about expertise, methods, and experience. 

You might find: 

  • A data scientist with predictive modelling expertise to support your project 
  • A colleague in another faculty using similar methods 
  • Someone with experience in a related research grant 

Tip: Using concept terms in profiles can help you find other researchers linked to the same topics. 

👉 Search by concepts 

4. Browse by school 

Browsing organisational units can help you discover nearby or adjacent expertise. 

For example: 

  • Health researchers may find collaborators in Psychology or Sport Science 
  • Computing staff may connect with colleagues in Business or Engineering 
  • Humanities researchers may find overlap in Social Sciences 
  • Creative Industries may identify links with Health, for example in arts and wellbeing 

👉 Browse by school 

5. Review publications and projects 

Publications and projects provide deeper insight into expertise and networks. 

For example: 

  • A publication may highlight a method you want to apply 
  • A project may reveal an existing research network you could join 
  • Co-authors can help you identify wider collaboration groups 

Making the connection 

Once you identify a potential collaborator: 

  • Review their profile carefully 
  • Consider how your research aligns 
  • Send a short, focused email outlining: 
    • Your research area
    • Why their expertise is relevant
    • Possible ideas for collaboration

💡 Top tips 

  • Use a combination of keywords, concepts, and SDGs 
  • Stay open to interdisciplinary opportunities 
  • Keep your own profile up to date 
  • Revisit the Portal regularly to discover new connections 

Start exploring today 

Take a few minutes to explore the Research Portal. You may discover expertise that strengthens your next project.