Would it be offensive to say I'm excited to collaborate with other researchers outside of the program?

[BattlePope]

Hi guys,

 

Another post by me, last one I swear. So, one of the programs that I am applying to is located in an area that has a fairly high density of research and education institutions. When asked why I would like to apply to this particular program, one reason that I have given is that I am excited to collaborate with researchers in the surrounding area. Could this be misconstrued as offensive and something that I should leave out? The paragraph in question is below:

 

"______ location in _____ has been another factor that has weighed heavily in my decision to apply. The program’s proximity to so many fantastic marine science research and education institutions provides numerous opportunities to advance my career in addition to the program at _____. If accepted, I look forward to collaborating with a broad range of people and developing some beneficial contacts throughout the research community in the _______ area."

 

Do you think I should just drop this paragraph? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[fuzzylogician]

It's an acceptable thing to say *if* you know these kinds of collaborations already exist there and that they are encouraged (or, at least not discouraged). There are several ways to find out, including the department's websites and individual students/professors׳ websites or CV. Or if you know someone there, you could just ask and anybody there should know the answer. If it's not done, I wouldn't mention it. It would show a lack preparation and fit. If you mention it, make sure it comes after you explain what it is *about the department* that attracts you there, and that it's shorter than that first section.

[TakeruK]

This is a type of thing that you would put in a SOP to show why you think University X's program would be a good fit for you. So I would not word this as a "reason to apply", but more like one of the many ways this program will meet your own goals. For most of the programs I applied to, I cited the expertise of their faculty, their access to certain equipment, and existing collaborations. 

 

So I agree with fuzzy that this is a good thing to say if there are formal/official connections between these programs. For example, if some of the profs in one school/institution has adjunct status at another. That would be an example of a very strong connection though, it doesn't have to go this far. But in my field, a lot of national labs or independent research centers (NASA centers, for example) are located very close to large universities and there are existing connections between them. In many cases, a student at the school might be advised by a faculty member at the school as well as a researcher at the institution.

 

But if these connections don't already exist, I think you may be presuming too much and/or getting ahead of yourself if you are making plans to collaborate with other programs in your SOP. If this is important to you though, it would be a good thing to ask about after you are accepted (e.g. during a visit weekend, ask this to both profs and students).