This article describes the initial stage of an exploratory research project on improving scientific collaboration. For the purpose of laying conceptual foundations of scientific collaboration, we discuss general requirements of a collaborative system for scientific researchers. With these requirements in mind, we outline the technical design of a prototype system to support scientific collaboration. This design involves a method of structured discourse and is integrated with electronic mail. The prototype system, currently being developed, will be tested by the authors who are collaborating on various research projects in the United States and Finland. Preliminary results will be available in the near term. Further development will include the incorporation of project management, negotiation support, and document production tools into the system.