# Cross-cultural science: ten lessons

## TL;DR

The paper discusses ten lessons learned from cross-cultural collaborations in global health to effectively combat infectious diseases.

## Contribution

The paper provides a set of practical lessons for successful cross-cultural scientific collaboration in global health contexts.

## Key findings

- Building partnerships based on respect and mutual trust is essential for effective global health initiatives.
- Engendering ownership and working toward mutual success are key factors in mission success.
- Attention to cultural norms and collaboration with stakeholders improve outcomes in cross-cultural science.

## Abstract

Concerns of infectious disease outbreaks have recently reached the forefront of global security issues and resulted in new engagements among foreign science advisors, host country scientists, and officials. There are lessons to be learned from the numerous organizations working in global regions of endemic disease who are building capacity to survey pathogens and prevent and contain epidemics. Working with foreign scientists, health professionals, and administrators can be challenging; building partnerships based on respect and mutual trust is key to achieve effective change. Engendering ownership, working toward mutual success, paying close attention to cultural norms and the local regulatory climate, close collaboration with other stakeholders, and imaginative problem solving all contribute to mission success.