Organising a conference to facilitate interdisciplinary interaction

Abstract

Interdisciplinary research is increasingly valued but most early stage researchers do not have an extensive network or publication list that can be used to leverage interdisciplinary collaborations. Therefore, there is an urgent need for formats that facilitate interdisciplinary interactions amongst early stage researchers. Here we reflect on the usefulness of the conference format for interdisciplinary thinking by using a recently organised conference at the University of Aberdeen as an example. We conclude that the conference format has many benefits for interdisciplinary interactions, but should be seen as integral part of the academic curriculum and not as something “extra”.

Keywords

• interdisciplinarity
• early career activities
• conference organisation
• conference timing and format
• systemic interaction