The term 'interdisciplinarity' is used to cover a diversity of practices (see Nature 525, 305; 2015). What is crucial for one kind of interdisciplinarity may be immaterial to another.
Without specificity and differentiation, it is impossible to identify factors essential for success. Relevant features include the nature of the problem under investigation; the number of disciplines involved; whether these are closely aligned or disparate; whether the interdisciplinary research is undertaken by an individual or a team; and whether it is engaged with policy and end-user practice (see go.nature.com/ujwu8g).
I investigated one category of interdisciplinary research, in which experts from multiple, diverse disciplines work with end-users on topical problems, to determine the specialist skills required (see go.nature.com/nnsnsx). Synthesizing knowledge, managing remaining unknowns and supporting policy, practice and technological change are all essential. Each of these skills encompasses an array of concepts and methods.
A new 'interdisciplinary' discipline such as 'integration and implementation sciences' can capture, assess and transmit these skills. It could build a college of peer reviewers to improve quality and raise the visibility and influence of interdisciplinarity.
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Bammer, G. Interdisciplinarity: Less vague please. Nature 526, 506 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/526506c
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/526506c
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