Interdisciplinary science

Main thing

Interdisciplinary science integrates knowledge, methods, and perspectives from two or more scientific disciplines to solve complex problems or create new understanding that would be difficult to achieve through a single discipline.

It involves collaboration among individuals with expertise in different fields, applying multiple research methods, and examining scientific issues in a broader context. Interdisciplinary science recognizes that the physical, chemical, and biological worlds are interconnected.

Examples of interdisciplinary science disciplines include:

• Bioengineering: combines biology and engineering

• Neuroscience: integrates biology, psychology, and computer science

• Environmental science: draws from ecology, chemistry, and Earth science

• Bioinformatics: merges biology, computer science, and information technology

• Cognitive science: combines psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and artificial intelligence

• Geophysics: integrates geology, physics, and mathematics

• Astrobiology: combines astronomy, biology, and chemistry

• Biomechanics: integrates biology, physics, and engineering

Example: Studying climate change requires integrating knowledge from disciplines like Earth science, ecology, chemistry, and computer modeling.

Terms

• Science – the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Example: Biology, chemistry, and physics are all branches of science.

• Discipline – a branch of knowledge or learning, such as biology, physics, or chemistry. Example: Ecology is a discipline within the broader field of biology.

• Methodology – the system of methods and principles used in a particular discipline. Example: Physics and biology use different research methodologies.

An analogy

Interdisciplinary science is like building a house that requires expertise from different construction trades. Just as a well-built home needs the skills of architects, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers working together, solving complex scientific problems often requires the collaboration of experts from various disciplines, each contributing their unique knowledge and techniques.

Example: Developing new medical treatments often involves combining knowledge from biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science.

A main misconception

Many people believe that scientific disciplines are completely separate and that concepts from one field are not applicable to others. However, the boundaries between disciplines are often artificial, and many scientific problems require an interdisciplinary approach.

Example: Some may think that physics has no relevance to biology, but understanding physical principles is crucial for explaining many biological phenomena, such as how animals move.

The history

1. Ancient times: Science was studied holistically, without strict disciplinary boundaries.

2. 19th century: Scientific knowledge expanded, leading to the formation of distinct disciplines like physics, chemistry, and biology.

3. 20th century: Increasing specialization within disciplines, but also growing recognition of the need for interdisciplinary approaches.

4. 21st century: Interdisciplinary science is increasingly emphasized in research and education.

"Science is increasingly done in teams, which often include people from multiple disciplines. The best science happens when bright minds from diverse disciplines focus on a problem." - Alan Leshner, former CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Three cases how to use it right now

1. A high school student interested in environmental issues could take courses in biology, chemistry, and social sciences to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problem and potential solutions.

2. A researcher studying the development of new cancer treatments could collaborate with experts in biology, chemistry, and computer science to create targeted therapies based on a deeper understanding of the disease.

3. A company developing new sustainable energy technologies could assemble a team of engineers, chemists, and environmental scientists to create solutions that are both technologically feasible and environmentally friendly.

Interesting facts

• The National Science Foundation (NSF) has established funding programs specifically for interdisciplinary research.

• Some universities, such as Florida Tech, offer undergraduate degrees in Interdisciplinary Science.

• Interdisciplinary research has led to major scientific breakthroughs, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA, which involved collaboration between biologists, chemists, and physicists.

• The Santa Fe Institute, founded in 1984, is a research center dedicated entirely to fostering interdisciplinary science.

• Many of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change, food security, and public health, require an interdisciplinary approach to find effective solutions.