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Barriers and Solutions to Conducting Large International, Interdisciplinary Research Projects

Author

Listed:
  • Erin C. Pischke

    (Michigan Technological University)

  • Jessie L. Knowlton

    (Michigan Technological University
    Wheaton College)

  • Colin C. Phifer

    (Michigan Technological University)

  • Jose Gutierrez Lopez

    (University of New Hampshire)

  • Tamara S. Propato

    (Universidad de Buenos Aires
    Instituto de Clima y Agua, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria
    Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas)

  • Amarella Eastmond

    (Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán)

  • Tatiana Martins de Souza

    (Conservation International
    Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro)

  • Mark Kuhlberg

    (Laurentian University)

  • Valentin Picasso Risso

    (University of Wisconsin–Madison
    Universidad de la República)

  • Santiago R. Veron

    (Universidad de Buenos Aires
    Instituto de Clima y Agua, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria
    Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas)

  • Carlos Garcia

    (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia)

  • Marta Chiappe

    (Universidad de la República)

  • Kathleen E. Halvorsen

    (Michigan Technological University)

Abstract

Global environmental problems such as climate change are not bounded by national borders or scientific disciplines, and therefore require international, interdisciplinary teamwork to develop understandings of their causes and solutions. Interdisciplinary scientific work is difficult enough, but these challenges are often magnified when teams also work across national boundaries. The literature on the challenges of interdisciplinary research is extensive. However, research on international, interdisciplinary teams is nearly non-existent. Our objective is to fill this gap by reporting on results from a study of a large interdisciplinary, international National Science Foundation Partnerships for International Research and Education (NSF-PIRE) research project across the Americas. We administered a structured questionnaire to team members about challenges they faced while working together across disciplines and outside of their home countries in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Analysis of the responses indicated five major types of barriers to conducting interdisciplinary, international research: integration, language, fieldwork logistics, personnel and relationships, and time commitment. We discuss the causes and recommended solutions to the most common barriers. Our findings can help other interdisciplinary, international research teams anticipate challenges, and develop effective solutions to minimize the negative impacts of these barriers to their research.

Suggested Citation

  • Erin C. Pischke & Jessie L. Knowlton & Colin C. Phifer & Jose Gutierrez Lopez & Tamara S. Propato & Amarella Eastmond & Tatiana Martins de Souza & Mark Kuhlberg & Valentin Picasso Risso & Santiago R. , 2017. "Barriers and Solutions to Conducting Large International, Interdisciplinary Research Projects," Environmental Management, Springer, vol. 60(6), pages 1011-1021, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envman:v:60:y:2017:i:6:d:10.1007_s00267-017-0939-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0939-8
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