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Should we quit our jobs? Challenges, barriers and recommendations for interdisciplinary energy research

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  • Schuitema, Geertje
  • D. Sintov, Nicole

Abstract

Many plea for a better integration of social sciences in energy research, which would imply more comprehensive interdisciplinary energy research. We argue that in order to achieve this, institutional barriers and research challenges need to be recognised and addressed. We identify six challenges and barriers, and provide recommendations for working towards solutions. We conclude that to engage in interdisciplinary research implies extra costs and fewer rewards for all researchers, particularly early and mid-career academics. We propose a new conceptualisation of practices and incentive structures among academic institutions, funding agencies, and publication outlets, and urge all energy researchers to join this debate.

Suggested Citation

  • Schuitema, Geertje & D. Sintov, Nicole, 2017. "Should we quit our jobs? Challenges, barriers and recommendations for interdisciplinary energy research," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 246-250.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:101:y:2017:i:c:p:246-250
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2016.11.043
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    Cited by:

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    3. Jasmina Saric & Fabian Käser & Jon-Andri Lys & Jürg Utzinger & Thomas Breu, 2021. "Synergising Research and Service Activities at Swiss Research Institutions to Accelerate Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-20, August.
    4. Shahadat Uddin & Tasadduq Imam & Mohammad Mozumdar, 2021. "Research interdisciplinarity: STEM versus non-STEM," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 126(1), pages 603-618, January.
    5. Kai Nishikawa, 2023. "How and why are citations between disciplines made? A citation context analysis focusing on natural sciences and social sciences and humanities," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 128(5), pages 2975-2997, May.
    6. Kwon, Seokbeom, 2022. "Interdisciplinary knowledge integration as a unique knowledge source for technology development and the role of funding allocation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    7. Hu, Han-fen & Krishen, Anjala S. & Barnes, Jesse, 2023. "Through narratives we learn: Exploring knowledge-building as a marketing strategy for prosocial water reuse," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    8. Giovanni Abramo & Ciriaco Andrea D’Angelo & Flavia Di Costa, 2018. "The effects of gender, age and academic rank on research diversification," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 114(2), pages 373-387, February.
    9. Sintov, Nicole D. & Schuitema, Geertje, 2018. "Odd couple or perfect pair? Tensions and recommendations for social scientist-industry partnerships in energy research," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 247-251.

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