Interdisciplinary Research Kedar Pandya Interdisciplinary Research Policy: An EPSRC Perspective Head of the Cross-disciplinary Interfaces Programme ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

A Collage Mainstream processes 36% 37% 42% Managed programmes Cross-council Research Programmes Towards a Sustainable Urban Environment (SUE) Genomics Centres for Doctoral Training

Why? Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research National Academy of Sciences 2005 “ Interdisciplinary research can be one of the most productive and inspiring of human pursuits” Research Council Interest Insight-led, contributing to knowledge and innovation Challenge-led, providing solutions to problems

Creating the “Right” Conditions People Commissioning Cultures & structures

People and Careers (I) Early adopters are essential: People able to take risks and challenge conventions Leadership Vision, creativity and innovation in research Integration across disciplines & interests Quarter of a billion pound investment in Centres for Doctoral Training across the EPSRC portfolio 2009

People and Careers (II): Looking Ahead Metrics of success Publication options How to overcome barriers? An example: Royal Society Interface Journal Journal of the Royal Society Interface celebrates fifth anniversary with £5,000 EPSRC award Reward structures e.g. promotion criteria Nurturing early-stage cross-disciplinary careers is a key priority Partnership between sponsors and universities needs to be stronger Inspirational role models

Sandpits Potential for transformative thinking Networking, promoting interdisciplinary interaction, breaking down barriers Financial reward drives behaviour Not for everyone! Commissioning (I) Consortia Flexibility and non-standard working approaches Added value from different expertise, both academic and users Management skills crucial and sometimes overlooked The sum can be greater than the parts but it depends on the individuals A range of approaches needed: Networks, translators, mobility, grand challenges, centres, consortia…

Research Councils Energy Commitments Conventional Energy Generation; Nuclear Fission; Nuclear Fusion; Sustainable Power Generation; Climate Change; Carbon Abatement; Markets, Policy and Public Attitudes

Basic Technologies Security Body motion capture Eye tracking technologie s Behavioural simulation Emerging computer paradigms Robotic s Quantum computing Modelling uncertaint y Novel maths & statistics Digital Economy Health Animation Performance monitoring Visual search systems Image interpretatio n Semiconducto r devices Patient monitoring Surgical applications Epidemiology Advancing the Ecosystem Start-up companies Patents Demonstrators Promotions Appointments Secondments Continuous training Academic papers Book chapters International lectures TSB, Research Councils, Government Departments DoH, Research Councils Industry, Charities EPSRC TRL Novel screening platforms Basic Technology

Commissioning (II): Looking Ahead Economic & Societal Themes e.g. Energy, Digital Economy, Manufacturing the Future Core capabilities: excellent, long-term core and multi-disciplinary research Linking underpinning disciplines to societal themes Greater focus on best with best collaborations Language challenges vs. opportunities Identifying the right people Not a service-based relationship Further segmentation, matching interventions to desired outcomes Peer review: excellence and importance

Cross-disciplinary Proposals in the Mainstream: Working with other Programmes & Funders EPSRC remit queries, managed by the Cross-disciplinary Interfaces Programme Summary, objectives, research challenges & novelty Remit queries batched every two weeks Cross-office group which meets fortnightly: All programmes involved, with links to other Research Councils Early advice on where best to submit Concordat between all Research Councils governs cofunding

Structural and Cultural Change

Structural and Cultural Change (I) Institutional (e.g. Bridging the Gaps) & individual (e.g. Discipline Hopping): Innovative approaches to collaboration (workshops, internal competitions) Cross-fertilisation of ideas between disciplines (contact time) Embedding multi-disciplinary research & building advocacy Positive outcomes: Impact on university strategy, laying the foundation for follow- on funding and new research avenues “Our vision is to eliminate departmental barriers and bring together the people, talent, and infrastructure necessary to catalyse breakthroughs…”

Structural and Cultural Change (II): Looking Ahead Continued need for transformation: Structural barriers & incentives for change EPSRC leadership: Research & training within and across disciplines Leading-edge thinking in policy Coordination & collaboration, not just competition Creating a national perspective Multipliers on investments, not just about £££