Interdisciplinary Research

Terminology

To understand interdisciplinary work, it's important to be familiar with some key concepts. Here are three key terms that describe different degrees of collaboration across disciplinary boundaries:

Multidisciplinary

Researchers from different subject areas work in parallel, each independently contributing their expertise.

Interdisciplinary

Researchers use methods and insights from several different disciplines to create a more holistic understanding.

Transdisciplinary

Seeks beyond academic disciplines to include societal stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, and organizations, combining scientific tradition with practical knowledge.

How to Do It

Interdisciplinary research begins by identifying a real-world problem that requires insights from multiple disciplines to be solved effectively. These problems are often complex and affect multiple aspects of society and the environment.

By bringing together researchers with diverse backgrounds, a more comprehensive understanding can be created and effective solutions developed. It's about working together, having patience, and strategically planning to integrate different perspectives and methods.

Terminology

Create clear communication to bridge the terminology of different subject areas so that everyone has a common understanding of key concepts within the various disciplines.

For example, in a project combining computer science and biology, create a glossary defining terms like neural networks (which have different meanings in the subjects) and model (which can refer to mathematical models, 3D representations, or theoretical frameworks).

Methods

Mix approaches from different subjects to create new research designs, such as combining qualitative and quantitative data.

For example, a study on urban green spaces could integrate ecological surveys, public health data, and sociological interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of how parks affect urban life and residents' well-being.

Time and Patience

Give the research group time to familiarize themselves with and understand each other's perspectives and methods.

In a project combining artificial intelligence and psychology to study decision-making, for instance, computer scientists and psychologists may need several months to adapt their research methods and develop a shared understanding of important concepts.

Maintain Own Disciplinary Expertise

Don't forget to continue developing your core competencies within your subject area while collaborating on interdisciplinary projects.

Challenges

Despite the benefits of interdisciplinary work, there are several challenges researchers may encounter. Here are some common obstacles and how to handle them:

Communication

As different disciplines use different terminologies and methods, more work on communication within the group is needed compared to regular research projects. This can be done through joint glossaries, workshops, and team building.

Time

Interdisciplinary work often requires more time for coordination and mutual understanding. Plan for extra meetings and workshops for the collaboration to work well.

Funding

Traditional funders may not always support interdisciplinary projects. However, there are targeted calls such as the Swedish Research Council's calls for interdisciplinary research environments.

Career

Young researchers may worry about their careers and want to establish themselves within a specific discipline. However, it has been noted that researchers engaged in interdisciplinary research tend to outperform their subject-specific colleagues career-wise in the long term, about 15 years.

Publication

It can be difficult to find suitable journals for interdisciplinary work. Consider targeting journals that specifically welcome interdisciplinary research.

Opportunities

Interdisciplinary research offers many exciting opportunities for researchers willing to explore new areas.

Innovation

Combining different perspectives can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, as shown in previous interdisciplinary research results.

Impact

Addressing real-world problems more comprehensively, such as sustainable forestry methods that consider both ecological and social factors, can have a broader impact and stronger results.

Networks

Collaboration across disciplines builds a diverse professional network, both within academia and with stakeholders. By combining this with your subject-specific network, you expand and broaden your contacts.

Funding Opportunities

Many funding bodies now prioritize interdisciplinary research, including the EU's Horizon Europe program and Swedish research council initiatives.

Personal Development

By exposing yourself to different methods, you can improve your research toolkit and broaden your perspective on complex issues.

Practical Tips

Start small

Begin with pilot projects or seed funding to test collaborations. Future Forests offers seed money of up to 100,000 SEK for interdisciplinary projects.

Participate in interdisciplinary events

Future Forests offers events like "Focus on Forests" to connect researchers across disciplines.

Be open

Respect different research traditions and be willing to learn from others.

Clear roles

Ensure each group member understands their role and contribution to the project.

Mentor

Seek contact with experienced interdisciplinary researchers for guidance.

Support

The text is compiled by Anngelica Kristoferqvist based on information shared at a workshop Future Forests organized in the fall of 2024. Read more about the workshop and the speakers: Future Forest experts collaborate across disciplines