Hard VS Harder Science: University Characteristics that Support Interdisciplinary Research
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The document discusses the importance of interdisciplinary research in universities, highlighting the challenges posed by the current organization and structure that stifle collaboration. It outlines a research proposal aimed at assessing institutional factors and leadership that support or hinder interdisciplinary efforts, with the goal of providing tailored solutions to enhance funding and collaborative research. Key research questions focus on social influences, faculty perceptions, and effective leadership models for promoting interdisciplinary initiatives.
Hard VS Harder Science: University Characteristics that Support Interdisciplinary Research
- 1. HARD VS. HARDER SCIENCE: UNIVERSITY CHARACTERISTICS THAT SUPPORT INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH A Working Draft Thesis Concept By Derek M. Gatlin
- 2. VALUE • Interdisciplinarity is important to science • Status quo will hinder competition for limited resources • Diversity of views produce comprehensive and unique insights • Article citations and impacts are increased
- 3. BARRIERS • Universities are organized by domain siloes • Support staff, systems and resources are decentralized • Faculty advancement is focused on its domain • Grant proposals are uninformed by local experts
- 4. “ ” A KEY TO SUCCESS IN RESEARCH OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS IS INCORPORATING SOCIAL SCIENCE. -Dr. Alan Rebar, NC State University’s Vice Chancellor of Research
- 5. RESEARCH NEEDED • This research aims to inform development of solutions • Assess institutional leadership, structure, and culture • Recommend research-based, tailored solutions • Prioritize reforms likely to diversify funding portfolios
- 6. THEORY • Hypotheses from RK Merton’s Sociology of Science • Science is a social activity with structures and processes • “Serendipitous sociocognitive microenvironments” cause synergy • Interdisciplinarity enhances “competitive cooperation”
- 7. POTENTIAL RESEARCH QUESTIONS • To what extent are social forces affecting interdisciplinary research plans? Do faculty members recognize these affects and, if so, how do they compensate for them? • Has the Chancellor's Faculty Excellence Program caused increases in interdisciplinary research funding? • Are there model policies, leadership styles, or systems that can be replicated to increase interdisciplinary research funding? • How do faculty perceive university, college and departmental leadership, support and culture in regards to interdisciplinary research? • Which, if any, of these characteristics aid interdisciplinary research? • Which, if any, of these characteristics hinder interdisciplinary research?
- 8. POTENTIAL METHODS • Methods TBD by advisory committee • Findings are intended to inform the final report • Quasi-experimental approaches could include administrative data • Causation could be triangulated with a mixed-method approach
- 9. ACCESSIBLE POPULATION • NC State University Faculty • Cluster faculty • Interdisciplinary center collaborators • Established or early career, more traditional faculty
- 10. THESIS PRODUCT • Support for interdisciplinary research development • Proposal to deepen scientific knowledge advancement • Research-based plan complete with exemplar projects • Faculty-led design for collaborative proposal development