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Published: 2024-10-11

Future Forest experts collaborate across disciplines

NEWS Recently, Future Forests hosted a dynamic workshop aimed at young researchers from various fields, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants engaged in a range of activities, including lectures, speed networking, and group discussions, all designed to explore innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing forestry.

During the workshop, attendees gained valuable insights from expert speakers who shared their experiences and the obstacles they’ve encountered in interdisciplinary work. They highlighted how essential it is to merge deep expertise in one’s own field with collaboration across different disciplines. The speakers also stressed the need for clear communication within diverse teams, noting that regular meetings and workshops can help bridge knowledge gaps.

The discussions addressed common challenges in interdisciplinary research, such as differing terminologies and methodologies. It became evident that patience and a shared understanding are vital for successful collaborations. Establishing common glossaries and setting clear goals at the outset can significantly enhance teamwork.

Funding opportunities for interdisciplinary research were also a key topic. Participants learned about both national and EU funding sources that can support their projects. Young researchers were encouraged to apply for seed funding to kickstart their interdisciplinary initiatives. Starting with smaller grants allows them to build experience and networks that can lead to larger projects down the line. 

A standout moment of the day was the speed networking session, where participants quickly connected with peers from various disciplines. This was followed by a group discussion that allowed attendees to dive deeper into interdisciplinary research themes identified during earlier brainstorming sessions. 

Irma Olofsson and Stefan Hupperts from Future Forests provided information on the platform’s seed funding program, which offers up to 100,000 SEK for interdisciplinary projects. This funding opportunity sparked considerable interest among the young researchers. For more details about Future Forests’ seed funding for interdisciplinary projects, visit Seed_money.

About the Speakers

The workshop featured a diverse lineup of speakers:  

Carina Keskitalo, Professor of Political Science at Umeå University, known for her extensive work on interdisciplinary projects. 

Eliza Hasselquist, Researcher in Forest Ecology at SLU, who has successfully transitioned to interdisciplinary approaches. 

Marie Stenseke, Professor of Human Geography at the University of Gothenburg, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities in interdisciplinary research. 

Caroline Grabbe, Research Coordinator at External Funding at SLU, specializing in research financing.