Health Research Resources

Tips for Research Teams

Developing interdisciplinary research takes time, but it is worth the effort when you build a team that includes expertise that allows you to see things in new ways that add to the value of your work. 

• Develop an area of expertise – A core grounding shapes your research identity and will guide your ability to contribute and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Learn new languages – Strive to express your research in ways that are clear and understandable to others outside of your discipline or expertise.
• Be open-minded – Consciously be open to learning and new ways of doing things, particularly to engage in collaborations that include knowledge that is new to you.
• Be patient – Establishing and conducting interdisciplinary research takes time, and lots of it! Allocate time in the research process for iterative stages of learning, communicating, and shared reflection.
• Embrace complexity – Interdisciplinary research is integrative and brings people together to combine their collective expertise. Collaborations should include input from all members of the research team. Always remember that every researcher can make a valid contribution.
• Collaborate widely – Ditch your ego in interdisciplinary research; collaborative approaches demand the ability to work and get along with others.
• Push your boundaries – Make attempts, big and small, to get beyond your comfort zone. Expose yourself to new perspectives, opinions and novel ideas.
• Consider if you will engage in interdisciplinary research – Interdisciplinary careers are not necessary, or necessarily appealing, to everyone, and disciplinary research will continue to play an important role. Consider what’s the best approach for you and your career goals.
• Foster interdisciplinary culture – Give others freedom to work and think across disciplinary borders. In particular, research leaders can provide and foster space for interdisciplinary projects to be discussed and developed.
• Champion interdisciplinary researchers – Great interdisciplinary research deserves recognition akin to single-disciplinary research. Research leaders and institutions can create opportunities (and reduce barriers) by recognizing excellent interdisciplinary research.