The COLLECT database: momentum to improve our research standards, methods and culture.

Research in obstetrics is notoriously challenging. Obstetrics deals with mothers and babies, two patients at the same time who are both vulnerable but sometimes have conflicting interests. Fortunately, at least in high resourced settings, the incidence of poor outcomes is low. However, this creates a challenge for researchers, as to show differences studies, require large sample sizes that are often unachievable by a single centre. As a result, collaboration between researchers is essential. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.