Navigating the Interdisciplinary Maze

Most of our project teams are interdisciplinary to some extent – whether that means integrating different kinds of scientists, or incorporating data specialists or social scientists into their teams. And interdisciplinary reserach is increasingly important as many of the complex problems we currently face will need innovative multi-faceted solutions. So we are very lucky to have an expert in interdisciplinarity on our Coordination Team. Laura Meagher was an interdisciplinary researcher long before it became popular and has, quite literally, written the book (the book in question being Interdisciplinary Research Journeys).

Laura shared her considerable expertise in a recent masterclass for researchers on our project teams. Held online, on 30 June 2022, we welcomed participants from all our projects and a range of different career stages.

Laura began the session by asking participants to think of the opportunities and challenges of interdisciplinarity. As a prompt they were presented with a selection of images, from meeting minds and mapping out adventures to scrambled jigsaw puzzles and treacherous paths. Indeed opportunities and challenges was a recurring theme as Laura led the team through sections on what we mean by interdisciplinarity, how to build successful collaborations and projects, and how to navigate career conundrums.

The session, whilst sharing many gems of wisdom, also included interaction via Slido and breakout group problem-solving exercises to help keep everyone engaged. The closing poll invited participants to choose their own interdisciplinary adventure. How would you have answered? Would you be a troll, a hobbit or a wizard…?

Laura will be leading another online Masterclass for project teams on Thursday 1 September 2022 – this time on impact and knowledge exchange. Find out more here

by Sarah McLusky, Events & Communications Coordinator