Understanding the Rules of Life Program: Scientific Advancements and Future Opportunities (2023)
Chapter: Strategies for Successful Multidisciplinary Research
Strategies for Successful Multidisciplinary Research
A key objective of NSF’s URoL program was to drive innovation and identification of rules through multidisciplinary research. Indeed, many researchers included in the National Academies’ workshops cited the diverse, field-specific perspectives afforded by multidisciplinary research as a major advantage of this project (see figure below).
Working in teams of scientists from different disciplines has and continues to present challenges. Participants highlighted several strategies for reducing barriers to multidisciplinary research and encouraging greater participation among scientists at all levels and in all fields included in the research. One strategy is the co-development of products such as figures, papers, training materials, and presentations by multidisciplinary teams. Another strategy is to enhance team science by more clearly defining team structures and roles. Of course, communication is key to working across disciplines.
Diversity of Scientific Disciplines Contributing to the URoL Program
Many researchers included in the National Academies’ workshops cited the diverse, field-specific perspectives afforded by multidisciplinary research as a major advantage of the URoL program.
