Name
Engaging Stakeholders in Crossdisciplinary and Cross-sector Work: International Lessons about Diversity and Inclusivity for Responsible Collaboration, Integration, Learning, and Theory
Date & Time
Thursday, October 14, 2021, 3:30 PM - 4:50 PM
Machiel Keestra Juliana Merçon Michael O'Rourke
Description

This panel focuses on collaboration with stakeholders beyond the academy in research on complex societal problems. Since interdisciplinarity has been predominantly defined in epistemological terms, the challenge of increasing diversity and inclusion in academic practices has not been fully addressed This 90-minute panel will present lessons for Strand #3’s Question #3, which asks which stakeholders should be involved in shaping the future of interdisciplinary work. Panel members will identify the kind of learning needed for capacity building while informing inter- and trans-disciplinary research and education. At the same time it will contribute to Strand #1 by promoting interchange among scholars, students, and stakeholders in government and industry as well as community partners and other social actors. Rather than “generosity” we emphasize “inclusion” of multiple forms of knowledge and expertise, broadening who has power to define a given problem and possible solution. Traditionally the flow of influence has been a one-way linear application of science to society. In keeping with expanding connotations of transdisciplinarity, we advocate science with society. Implications also follow for reform of institutional structures and expectations in evaluating interdisciplinary work of both individual and programs. Thus, we expand understanding of “rigor” to include a wider set of criteria.

Virtual Session Link