A study published in July 2024 by an interdisciplinary team has highlighted significant career hurdles for interdisciplinary researchers, particularly within the biomedical field in American academia. The research indicates that these scholars often experience shorter publishing careers and are more likely to exit academia early, despite the increasing overall interdisciplinarity of biomedical research. The findings suggest that the traditional academic structure, predominantly organized by single disciplines, may not adequately support individuals trained for cross-disciplinary work.
Context of Interdisciplinary Research
Interdisciplinary collaboration has been a foundational element in historical scientific advancements, including the Moon landing and breakthroughs in genetics and biotechnology. Currently, it is considered essential for addressing complex global challenges such as climate change and the development of generative artificial intelligence.
The study, conducted by an interdisciplinary team in economics and informatics, specifically focused on the career trajectories of interdisciplinary researchers within the biomedical research sector.
Structural Challenges in Academia
Despite governmental and private funding initiatives, alongside university programs aimed at fostering interdisciplinary work, the academic system remains largely structured around traditional disciplines and departments. This framework presents several challenges for interdisciplinary scholars, including:
- Difficulties in publishing their work in established journals.
- Challenges in finding mentors who understand their diverse specializations.
- Obstacles in offering interdisciplinary courses.
- Issues related to fair evaluation for jobs, promotions, and tenure, particularly by committees composed predominantly of members from single disciplines.
Interdisciplinary centers and programs, while sometimes attracting established scientists, often lack the permanence of traditional departments. They may function as temporary solutions or 'borderlands' rather than providing stable, long-term career support structures.
Key Findings on Career Trajectories
The 2024 study on biomedical research revealed several key trends regarding interdisciplinary careers:
- Shorter Publishing Periods: Interdisciplinary researchers, particularly those highly specialized in multiple fields, published for significantly shorter periods compared to their single-discipline counterparts. The most interdisciplinary researchers (identified as the top 1% from graduate school) reportedly ceased publishing within eight years of graduation. In contrast, moderately interdisciplinary and single-discipline researchers often continued publishing for over 20 years.
- Early Career Exits: A notable number of interdisciplinary researchers departed academia early in their careers.
- Overall Increase in Interdisciplinarity: Over a 40-year period, biomedical research became more interdisciplinary overall. However, this growth was primarily driven by single-discipline researchers who integrated interdisciplinary approaches later in their careers, often through collaborations. This trend was less influenced by formally trained interdisciplinary scholars, who frequently left the field.
- Entry-Level Trends: Researchers entering the academic community tended to be less interdisciplinary than those already established. The study indicated that early career researchers are less likely to pursue interdisciplinary paths within the existing academic structure.
Recommendations for Support
The findings suggest that the academic system's incentives often favor disciplinary focus, which may contribute to a high attrition rate among trained interdisciplinary scholars. To address complex societal problems that require integrated scientific approaches, the study recommends that universities, departments, and funding agencies implement enhanced incentives and support systems. These changes could help retain early career interdisciplinary researchers in academia and foster future generations of cross-disciplinary scientists.