Fostering the Culture of Convergence in Research

Fostering the Culture of Convergence in Research

Proceedings of a Workshop

  • Author: Bowman, Katherine; Arnold, Amanda
  • Publisher: National Academies Press
  • ISBN: 9780309484954
  • eISBN Pdf: 9780309484961
  • eISBN Epub: 9780309484985
  • Place of publication:  United States
  • Year of digital publication: 2019
  • Month: June
  • Pages: 83
  • DDC: 507
  • Language: English

Convergence-based research approaches are critical in solving many scientific challenges, which frequently draw on large teams of collaborators from multiple disciplines. The 2014 report Convergence: Facilitating Transdisciplinary Integration of Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Beyond describes the term "convergence" as a multidisciplinary approach that melds divergent areas of expertise to form conclusions that are inaccessible otherwise. However, a convergence-based approach involves hybrid systems of people, buildings, and instruments, which pose complex structural and managerial challenges.

In October 23-24, 2018, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop to explore efforts to promote cultures that support convergence-based approaches to research. The 2014 report served as a foundation for this workshop, allowing participants to further explore convergence as a valuable and adaptable approach to organizing research. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

  • Cover
  • Front Matter
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Convergence in Practice: Opportunities and Challenges
  • 3 Workshop Themes and Looking Ahead
  • References
  • Appendix A: Workshop Agenda
  • Appendix B: Participant List
  • Appendix C: Statement of Task
  • Appendix D: Advisory Group on Convergence Biographies

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

By subscribing, you accept our Privacy Policy