Scientific Symbiosis: Bridging Expertise and Fostering Effective Collaborations with Mass Spectrometrists

Mass spectrometry (MS) is increasingly used to answer biological questions, yet effective collaboration between mass spectrometrists and researchers in other fields can be limited by differences in terminology, expectations, and familiarity with analytical workflows. This review provides a practical and accessible guide to incorporating MS into biological and environmental research with an emphasis on improving communication and collaboration. In the review, we walk through the MS workflow including defining the scientific question, selecting an analytical approach, sample collection and preparation, instrumental analysis, data processing, quality assessment, and interpretation. Particular attention is given to concepts that commonly create confusion across fields, including quantitative strategies, analytical controls, sample handling, instrument monitoring, and data reporting expectations. We also discuss the respective roles of both experimentalists and mass spectrometrists throughout the research process and highlight areas where early communication can prevent downstream problems. To support real-world application, the review includes a glossary of commonly used MS terminology and a checklist of key considerations for collaborative studies. Together, these resources are intended to make MS workflows more approachable and to foster the kind of scientific symbiosis between researchers and mass spectrometrists that is needed to generate high-quality, interpretable, and meaningful data.