Beyond the Lab: Why Teamwork and Communication Matter as Much as Experimental Skills

When people think about science, the first image that usually comes to mind is a researcher in a white coat, carefully pipetting solutions or staring at a set of results. While technical expertise is undeniably important, what I have learned in my own journey is that science does not progress in isolation. Some of the most meaningful lessons I’ve picked up did not come from mastering a technique, but from working with others and learning how to communicate effectively.

During my postgraduate studies and research internships, I quickly realized that lab work is rarely a solo effort. Experiments may be designed by one person, but they often depend on contributions from several team members — whether it is sharing reagents, troubleshooting protocols, or even discussing results over coffee. A single project often brings together people with different areas of expertise, and the only way to make progress is through open collaboration. Without teamwork, even the most skilled researcher would struggle to keep moving forward.

One of the clearest examples of this came during my internship at AIIMS, where I was part of a team studying ovarian cancer and the Notch pathway. Each of us had our own tasks, but none of them could be completed in isolation. While I was focused on cell culture and molecular assays, my colleagues were analyzing protein expression and working on clinical correlations. Our ability to align our work and share findings regularly meant that we could build a much clearer and stronger picture than any of us could have done alone. Looking back, I realize that my contributions mattered not just because of what I did at the bench, but because of how I communicated with my teammates.

Good communication in science goes beyond simply sharing data. It is about clarity, patience, and respect. I have seen how a small misunderstanding in discussing a protocol can cost days of work. On the other hand, when team members explain their reasoning clearly and listen actively to one another, problems are resolved much faster. Communication also plays a major role in mentorship — younger researchers often rely on guidance from seniors, and that relationship can only flourish if both sides are willing to listen and adapt.

Another important lesson I’ve learned is that communication in science is not limited to colleagues within the lab. Presenting findings to a broader audience — whether in seminars, conferences, or written reports — is an equally vital skill. Technical knowledge loses its impact if it cannot be conveyed to others in a way that is understandable and engaging. As a student, I used to think presentations were secondary to experiments. Over time, I realized that a well-explained talk or a clearly written paper can open doors for collaboration and even spark entirely new directions for research.

Teamwork and communication also shape the culture of a lab. A supportive environment, where people are comfortable asking questions and admitting mistakes, encourages growth and innovation. In contrast, a lack of trust or poor communication can create stress and hold back progress. Science is already full of challenges and uncertainties; a team that communicates well can make those challenges manageable and even turn them into opportunities for learning.

Reflecting on these experiences, I believe that teamwork and communication are just as important as technical expertise, if not more. Skills like PCR, Western blotting, or ELISA can be taught in a matter of weeks, but learning how to work effectively with others and how to express ideas clearly is a lifelong process. These skills also extend far beyond the lab, preparing us for roles in industry, academia, or even outside traditional research.

As young scientists, it is easy to focus only on improving our hands-on skills. But I would encourage students like myself to pay equal attention to how we work with people. The experiments we conduct will eventually be replaced by newer methods, but the ability to collaborate, to share knowledge, and to communicate effectively will remain relevant throughout our careers.

In the end, science is a collective effort. It is built not only on experiments and data but also on the conversations, debates, and collaborations that bring those results to life. Teamwork and communication may not always be the first things we think of when imagining a scientist at work, but in reality, they are at the very heart of discovery.

Bio: I am Mehrose Gani, a postgraduate in Clinical Biochemistry with a strong interest in molecular biology, oncology research, and translational science. I have research experience at AIIMS New Delhi, where I worked on the Notch signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. Alongside my academic background, I am passionate about science communication and mentoring aspiring students in the life sciences. I aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact through both my scientific work and writing.