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Five ways to support interdisciplinary work before tenure

Author

Listed:
  • Melinda Harm Benson

    (University of New Mexico)

  • Christopher D. Lippitt

    (University of New Mexico)

  • Ryan Morrison

    (U.S. Geological Survey)

  • Barbara Cosens

    (University of Idaho)

  • Jan Boll

    (Washington State University)

  • Brian C. Chaffin

    (University of Montana)

  • Alexander K. Fremier

    (Washington State University)

  • Robert Heinse

    (University of Idaho)

  • Derek Kauneckis

    (Ohio University)

  • Timothy E. Link

    (University of Idaho)

  • Caroline E. Scruggs

    (University of New Mexico)

  • Mark Stone

    (University of New Mexico)

  • Vanessa Valentin

    (University of New Mexico)

Abstract

Academic institutions often claim to promote interdisciplinary teaching and research. Prescriptions for successfully engaging in interdisciplinary efforts, however, are usually directed at the individuals doing the work rather than the institutions evaluating them for the purpose of tenure and promotion. Where institutional recommendations do exist, they are often general in nature and lacking concrete guidance. Here, we draw on our experiences as students and faculty participating in three interdisciplinary water resource management programs in the USA to propose five practices that academic institutions can adopt to effectively support interdisciplinary work. We focus on reforms that will support pre-tenure faculty because we believe that an investment in interdisciplinary work early in one’s career is both particularly challenging and seldom rewarded. Recommended reforms include (1) creating metrics that reward interdisciplinary scholarship, (2) allowing faculty to “count” teaching and advising loads in interdisciplinary programs, (3) creating a “safe fail” for interdisciplinary research proposals and projects, (4) creating appropriate academic homes for interdisciplinary programs, and (5) rethinking “advancement of the discipline” as a basis for promotion and tenure.

Suggested Citation

  • Melinda Harm Benson & Christopher D. Lippitt & Ryan Morrison & Barbara Cosens & Jan Boll & Brian C. Chaffin & Alexander K. Fremier & Robert Heinse & Derek Kauneckis & Timothy E. Link & Caroline E. Scr, 2016. "Five ways to support interdisciplinary work before tenure," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 6(2), pages 260-267, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:6:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s13412-015-0326-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-015-0326-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John P. A. Ioannidis & Kevin W. Boyack & Henry Small & Aaron A. Sorensen & Richard Klavans, 2014. "Bibliometrics: Is your most cited work your best?," Nature, Nature, vol. 514(7524), pages 561-562, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ramani, Ravi S. & Aguinis, Herman & Coyle-Shapiro, Jacqueline A.M., 2022. "Defining, measuring, and rewarding scholarly impact: mind the level of analysis," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 117286, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Arnold, Austin & Cafer, Anne & Green, John & Haines, Seena & Mann, Georgianna & Rosenthal, Meagen, 2021. "“Perspective: Promoting and fostering multidisciplinary research in universities”," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(9).

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