interdisciplinary research

Multidisciplinary research involves different disciplines studying the *same* problem *separately*. Think of it as different departments in a university working on the same broad topic but not talking to each other. Interdisciplinary research, on the other hand, requires *integration* and *synthesis* of knowledge from different fields. They actively collaborate and their insights merge to create something new. The key is whether the disciplines are truly interacting and creating a *new* understanding, or just working in parallel.

Climate change isn't just an environmental problem; it's also an economic, social, and political one. A purely scientific approach might identify the causes and potential impacts, but it won't address the economic incentives driving deforestation or the social inequalities that make some communities more vulnerable. Interdisciplinary research allows for a more holistic understanding by integrating insights from climate science, economics, sociology, and political science. This leads to more effective and equitable solutions. For example, understanding the social impact of renewable energy projects is crucial for their successful implementation.

The NEP 2020 envisions universities offering more flexible and interdisciplinary degree programs, allowing students to combine subjects from different fields. Research funding is expected to shift towards projects that involve researchers from multiple disciplines, as highlighted by UGC guidelines released in 2022. However, challenges include: * Resistance from traditional departments: Departments might be reluctant to cede control over their turf or resources. * Difficulty in evaluating interdisciplinary research: Traditional metrics for assessing research quality may not be suitable for interdisciplinary projects. * Lack of faculty expertise: Many faculty members are trained in specific disciplines and may lack the breadth of knowledge needed to guide interdisciplinary research.

• •Resistance from traditional departments
• •Difficulty in evaluating interdisciplinary research
• •Lack of faculty expertise

The strongest counter-argument is that many real-world problems *require* a broad, integrated perspective that no single discipline can provide. While depth in individual disciplines is important, it's insufficient for tackling complex challenges like climate change, public health crises, or sustainable development. Interdisciplinary research allows for a more holistic understanding of these problems and can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. The focus shifts from deep, narrow expertise to broad, integrated problem-solving.

Funding agencies incentivize interdisciplinary research by creating specific funding schemes for interdisciplinary projects, as seen with ICMR's new funding scheme for public health challenges launched in 2023. The NRF, announced in 2023, also aims to prioritize interdisciplinary and translational research. However, researchers face several challenges: * Difficulty in demonstrating impact: It can be harder to demonstrate the impact of interdisciplinary research using traditional metrics. * Review bias: Reviewers may be biased towards discipline-specific research and may not fully appreciate the value of interdisciplinary approaches. * Administrative hurdles: Applying for interdisciplinary grants can involve navigating complex administrative procedures and coordinating with multiple departments or institutions.

• •Difficulty in demonstrating impact
• •Review bias
• •Administrative hurdles

Three critical steps would be: 1. Establish a clear vision and mission: Define the center's focus areas and the specific problems it aims to address. This will help attract researchers with relevant expertise and ensure that the center's activities are aligned with its goals. 2. Create a supportive and collaborative environment: Foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and shared ownership among researchers from different disciplines. This can be achieved through regular meetings, workshops, and joint projects. 3. Develop a robust evaluation framework: Establish clear metrics for assessing the impact of the center's research, taking into account both disciplinary and interdisciplinary contributions. This will help demonstrate the value of the center to stakeholders and secure continued funding.

• •Establish a clear vision and mission
• •Create a supportive and collaborative environment
• •Develop a robust evaluation framework