This discussion aims to explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research and identify the challenges researchers face when working across disciplines. I invite scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts from diverse fields to share your experiences, insights, and strategies for fostering effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Let's discuss the benefits, barriers, and potential solutions for maximizing the impact of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex societal problems.
Dear Mr. De Silva!
You raised a very important topic to address. I take a case-study approach and searched for articles related to cybersecurity as the target for this discussion:
1) Erstad, E., Hopcraft, R., Vineetha Harish, A. et al. A human-centred design approach for the development and conducting of maritime cyber resilience training. WMU J Marit Affairs (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-023-00304-7, Open access: Article A human-centred design approach for the development and cond...
2) European Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Conference - University of Stavanger, Kjølv Egelands Hus, Kristine Bonnevies vei 22, Stavanger, Norway, 14-15 June 2023, details available at: https://www.fvv.um.si/eicc2023/
3) Max von Grafenstein, Timo Jakobi, Gunnar Stevens, Effective data protection by design through interdisciplinary research methods: The example of effective purpose specification by applying user-Centred UX-design methods, Computer Law & Security Review, Volume 46, 2022, Open access: Article Effective data protection by design through interdisciplinar...
4)I. Hamburg, "Interdisciplinary Cyber Training," 2022 20th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training (ITHET), Antalya, Turkey, 2022, pp. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/ITHET56107.2022.10031667, Available at: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10031667
Yours sincerely, Bulcsu Szekely
Dear Bulcsu Szekely,
Thank you for sharing your insights and resources on interdisciplinary collaboration in research, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. I appreciate your focus on a case-study approach and providing examples of recent articles, conferences, and research methods that address the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary collaboration.
I would be interested to hear more about your own experiences with interdisciplinary collaboration, and any strategies you have found to be effective in overcoming the challenges of working across disciplines.
Best regards,
Banuka De Silva
Dear De Silva!
Not so long ago I received an invitation to contribute to a book. They invited me to write a book chapter on the following topic:
"Digital information provided by libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic: Case studies from the viewpoint of supply chain management"
This was a very nice opportunity, but I had to work hard as the university I am affiliated with did not support me enough. So I had to use my friends who work in the research industry in Finland - I was able to get contacts to VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. Still my host institution did not provide me with the interdisciplinary support they have at their disposal. So I was forced to increase my visibility via ResearchGate and LinkedIn further: in the end, a Professor Emeritus (risk management, operation research) from the US contacted me. Now I have the real opportunity to get funding. Open science principles are important ways of collaborating in an interdisciplinary context. Overheated competition might get me still in trouble.
Yours sincerely, Bulcsu Szekely
Dear Bulcsu Szekely,
Thank you for sharing your personal experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and the challenges you faced. It's unfortunate that your university did not provide sufficient support, but it's great to hear that you were able to leverage your network and online platforms like ResearchGate and LinkedIn to connect with experts from different fields.
Your example highlights the importance of networking and reaching out to professionals outside of your immediate institution or discipline. Collaborating with experts from diverse backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives and enrich the research process. It's also encouraging to hear that you have found an opportunity to secure funding through your interdisciplinary connections.
In terms of open science principles, they play a crucial role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. By sharing research findings, data, and methodologies openly, researchers can facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage collaboration across disciplines. Open science practices such as open access publishing, data sharing, and transparent methodologies can enhance the impact of interdisciplinary research.
Overcoming competition and promoting a collaborative culture are also important for successful interdisciplinary collaboration. Encouraging teamwork, creating platforms for interdisciplinary interaction, and providing incentives for interdisciplinary research can help overcome barriers and promote a collaborative environment.
Thank you once again for sharing your experiences, and I hope your interdisciplinary collaboration continues to thrive.
Best regards,
Banuka De Silva
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