In this paper we present the key collaboration challenges and recommendations identified by targeted research communities during the Eastern Regional Network (ERN) [7] Architecture and Federation Virtual Workshop[6], for validation of the base design of the ERN Federated OpenCI Labs collaborative infrastructure model. The workshop was designed to stimulate open discussions surrounding key aspects of collaborative scientific research and workflows. A brief summary of the key data gathered is provided here. The findings from this workshop have led to a re-evaluation of the design of ERN Federated OpenCI Labs infrastructure.