On developing the missing element in interdisciplinary research: ‘the space between

Addressing challenges of global climate change has long required more than singular disciplinary efforts. Interdisciplinary practices that bring diverse expertise together to solve a common problem are increasingly needed to solve complex problems. Many who conduct interdisciplinary research have learned by practice over their multi-decade long careers to develop their skills through trial-and-error. The increasing necessity of interdisciplinary work in multiple forums has motivated us to formalize and teach practices that will better prepare our students for their future careers.

In this presentation we describe an element missing in most frameworks of interdisciplinary approaches. We call this element ‘the space between’ (Figure). The space between is a literal, and figurative, space that exists between disciplines when multiple disciplines come together in service to a common problem. This space has structural and functional characteristics. We suggest that the space between is essential for success in interdisciplinary practice. When different disciplines come together we intuitively seek to bridge the gap. There are different ways to do so. In some instances we fill that gap with additional missing knowledge. In other instances, however, we must place purposeful attention on the existence of the gap and work to actively open it up in order for greater understanding to arise when the space is activated.

Complex environmental challenges require us to probe the depth of different disciplines as we integrate across those disciplines in transforming our collective knowledge into a solution. The process of doing so requires that we identify the space between, and that we insist on expansion of that space for emergent ideas to be revealed. By illustrating this missing element we seek to add to the conceptual understanding and practice of interdisciplinary work.

Figure 1.Representation of diverse disciplines (Atmospheric Sciences, Oceanography, Communication, Policy etc..) able to work effectively across their expertise in a carefully crafted space.