Interdisciplinarity needs Disciplines

Scientific advance happens often at the edge of disciplines and generally at their meeting points. In the narrowing space between biology and electronic engineering, and between physics and computer science, as examples close to my interests. Typically, work in these areas require shared language and skills, and the ability to sustain collaboration so that this can be developed. Such collaboration is important and exciting and, rightly, has been the principal focus for funding and research strategy. This must however be balanced. Interdisciplinarity (a contested term, but one which will serve for the purpose) needs disciplines, and 'paradigm shifting' needs 'normal science'.

It is essential that the growth at the scientific core matches the creativity at the edges. There is a key role for methodological work too. Techniques cannot mature in a vacuum they need a focussed community to support them. Some of this may be incremental but is none the worse for that. Steady collective development, the 'working out' of a subject is essential.

Contrary to what is often supposed, it is researchers who are fluent and 'at home' in the mainstream of their discipline and engaged with its advance that are best placed also to work at its periphery. Yes, it requires openness and the willingness to master new tools and frameworks but does not necessarily require permanently inhabiting the space between disciplines. Indeed doing so can be intellectually and professionally unhealthy.

The core components of disciplinary support are the research group, the department and, more distantly, the faculty (terminology may vary but the structures are universally recognisable). For interdisciplinarity to thrive, these components need to be strong, committed to their disciplines and to nurture a strong and dynamic research environment. Obviously, they should also be bold and outward looking, there is no necessary contradiction in this. Centres and Institutes have a vital role to play in fostering new subjects and intellectual opportunities, but they are critically dependent on the axis with the less glamorous discipline focussed units operating effectively. They cannot survive on their own.