On 1st February 2016, Timo Minssen speaks on “Practical and methodical challenges in interdisciplinary research & collaboration” at Lund University.

Abstract:Cross-disciplinary collaborations have become an increasingly important part of science. They are seen as key if we are to find solutions to pressing, global-scale societal challenges, including green technologies, sustainable food production, and drug development. The synergistic and skillful combination of different disciplines can achieve insight beyond current borders and thereby generate novel solutions to complex problems. The power of such collaborations has also been realized by regulators, policy- makers and funding agencies. Initiating and successfully maintaining cross-disciplinary collaborations, however, cannot only be highly rewarding, it may also pose many complex challenges. Based upon hands-on experiences gained in interdisciplinary projects at the University of Copenhagen, this presentation will describe and discuss the key benefits, as well as some possible pitfalls, arising from collaborations between scientists with very different backgrounds.

Speech on the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary research at Lund University