Being "scooped" in science

Many of us work on very exciting projects and  in very similar areas of knowledge.

However, what to do when you are "scooped"?
Being "scooped' basically means that at some point you realize that a colleague or another group is doing the same research you are doing !!!

Panic attack, anger, desperation and other symptoms come into existence and your life is ruined, or so you think. I wanted to write this little piece about how to deal with getting "scooped" because after some time of being involved in research it is inevitable that this will happen to you.

Lets, as Jack the ripper used to say, go by a piece at at time, in a numeral fashion, shall we?

1. Keep calm:
This may sound ridiculous but it is essential.
If you are panicking you will see the worse case scenario and will no be able to think straight, so breathe and compose yourself!!!
 
2. Make sure you are really working on the same questions as your "scooper".
Many times we panic and we don't even read the details of what the "others" of the island are doing. Take your time, and read about what they are doing. They may be using the same system but measuring different things, they may be really far from being at the same point that you are with your system or maybe they are using a completely different approach.

3. Collaborate instead of attack.
We are all scientist and sooner or later we will run into each other, so please don't fall in the cheap and nasty trap of making a competition out of it.
Trying to beat the other group to the publication or talking about how they scooped you at conferences and meetings will only result in poor science and burned bridges.
A nice e mail or phone call may open the door for a broader and richer project. Who knows, maybe you end up doing something the "others" can't or they may have some material you can use. Basically, collaboration may result in more than one publication, sharing of resources and better and more positive research.

4. Innovate:
Well it happens!!!
Is a fact, they did it before you and they published it so now what?
It is time to sit down and explore what other questions can you ask yourself about your system.
It is not the end - it is quite the opposite. Be confident in what you know and what you have learned so far, twist it, and think outside of the box.

The hardest thing to remember is that science should not be a battle of egos and that knowledge will take its course.

I am sure you will be able to survive the "scoop" and that your research will improve when you are  forced to take new directions.
Who knows? the "others" may have published it first, but you may be the one who changes the whole game in your field.