Applying Network Science to Networking at IceLab Days

Our goal was to understand the overlap in current projects within IceLab and to get a better sense of the skills and interests of our members, helping to spark ideas for future collaborations

Bridging Disciplines and Building Connections 

IceLab’s mission is to connect researchers across disciplines for the love of launching and landing new ideas. Through initiatives like the IceLab Lunch Pitches, the lab has built a reputation for facilitating spontaneous collaborations.

However, what about researchers who aren’t actively seeking collaborations? Rubén Bernardo Madrid, a postdoctoral fellow at IceLab and one of the event organizers, tackled this challenge head-on while designing the program for IceLab Days. 

“Many of us are already working on multiple interdisciplinary projects with people outside of IceLab, but there is not as much collaboration within IceLab itself. Our goal was to understand the overlap in current projects within IceLab and to get a better sense of the skills and interests of our members, helping to spark ideas for future collaborations," Rubén explained. 

Another priority for the organizers was maintaining IceLab’s unique collaborative culture and flat hierarchy, particularly as IceLab expands through initiatives like Stress Response Modeling at IceLab, a Swedish Research Council-funded excellence center.  

IceLab members at a social interaction session during IceLab Days. During the session, members had a couple of minutes to talk to the person across from them, answering questions designed to help learn something new about each other. For example - what new skill would you most want to learn instantaneously? Or - what three things do you need in the morning to feel ready for the day?

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“Social interaction is one of the most amazing aspects of IceLab. Now that we are growing, we are going to face new challenges, like how we can maintain this same level of connection. Events like this are essential for nurturing those bonds," Rubén added. 

Experimenting with Network Science

The centerpiece of the event was an experiment in applying network analysis—a tool many IceLab researchers use in their work—to the researchers themselves. Participants mapped their interests and skills to create a "network of collaboration."

Rubén described the process: "We identified topics we’re currently working on and potential areas of interest. Then, we used network analysis tools to visualize existing and possible collaborations in real time."

Two networks constructed during the IceLab Days. The network on the left represents the researchers' current areas of interest. Several clusters were identified, which broadly correspond to: RED: Many topics within life science, BRIGHT GREEN: Bioinformatics, BLUE: Ecosystems, YELLOW: Networks, PURPLE: Machine learning. The network on the right represents areas of research that IceLab members could be interested in in the future. No clear clusters were formed.

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The results were illuminating. While the exercise successfully identified current research groups, it revealed something unexpected about potential collaborations:

"When we explored new topics, we couldn’t form clear groups—everyone seemed interested in everything! This shows incredible potential for collaboration but also highlights the need to refine our approach to identify more targeted partnerships," Rubén observed. 

Planning for IceLab’s Future 

The event wasn’t only about these professional and personal connections—it also focused on improving IceLab and what activities to hold in 2025. Participants developed an action plan that will be tackled during monthly meetings.

Josephine Solowiej-Wedderburn, a postdoctoral researcher and co-organizer, highlighted some outcomes:

"Some of the suggestions we intend to realise are weekly informal exchanges of tools, ideas and challenges; a seminar series featuring the IceLab affiliates; and a series on the science of science with international speakers. The key will be to approach all of these with curiosity and an open mind."

IceLab members work together during IceLab Days in Skeppsvik

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Another priority is strengthening ties with IceLab’s affiliated researchers who don’t work on-site. Plans include maintaining drop-in desks for visiting affiliates and creating opportunities for affiliates and on-site members to share their research with each other. 

Our affiliates bring diverse perspectives, new research questions, and innovative ideas from a variety of fields. We are excited to welcome more affiliates to IceLab.

Expanding IceLab’s Network

Martin Rosvall, IceLab’s director, emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration:

"Our affiliates bring diverse perspectives, new research questions, and innovative ideas from a variety of fields. We are excited to welcome more affiliates to IceLab."

Jan Karlsson and Martin Rosvall discuss development ideas for IceLab.

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Many affiliates first connected to IceLab through the IceLab Multidisciplinary Postdoctoral Program, funded by Kempestiftelserna. Jan Karlsson is one of these affiliates and shared his experience of the IceLab Days:

"I first became involved through Dominic Vachon, a postdoc from the program’s initial round. His work inspired further collaboration with Martin Rosvall. The IceLab Days meeting was very good!  I really appreciated the relaxed atmosphere with open minded people, which inspired interesting discussions about current and potential new collaborative projects as well as development of IceLab."

A Culture of Collaboration 

IceLab Days showcased IceLab’s dedication to building a thriving, interdisciplinary research community. By integrating innovative tools, candid discussions, and a commitment to social connection, IceLab aims to keep evolving as a space for meaningful and collaborative science.