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A case study of strategies for fostering international, interdisciplinary research

Author

Listed:
  • K. E. Halvorsen

    (Michigan Technological University)

  • J. L. Knowlton

    (Michigan Technological University)

  • A. S. Mayer

    (Michigan Technological University)

  • C. C. Phifer

    (Michigan Technological University)

  • T. Martins

    (Brazil, Conservation International)

  • E. C. Pischke

    (Michigan Technological University)

  • T. S. Propato

    (University of Buenos Aires)

  • P. Cavigliasso

    (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria)

  • C. Garcia

    (Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia)

  • M. Chiappe

    (Universidad de la República)

  • A. Eastmond

    (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Yucatán)

  • J. Licata

    (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria)

  • M. Kuhlberg

    (Laurentian University)

  • R. Medeiros

    (Brazil, Conservation International)

  • V. Picasso

    (Universidad de la República)

  • G. Mendez

    (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Yucatán)

  • P. Primo

    (Universidad de la República)

  • A. Frado

    (Laurentian University)

  • S. Veron

    (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria)

  • J. L. Dunn

    (Michigan Technological University)

Abstract

Bringing together and successfully managing a highly interdisciplinary (ID) research team of socioeconomic, biophysical, and engineering scientists is highly challenging, particularly when that team includes 20 scientists and students across six countries. This paper reports on the results of evaluating the success of such a team as it studies the socioecological impacts of bioenergy development across the Americas. We find that the team has succeeded according to several different metrics. We demonstrate that the literature on accelerated sustainability transitions and small group team creation, development, and management holds valuable lessons for the success of ID teams.

Suggested Citation

  • K. E. Halvorsen & J. L. Knowlton & A. S. Mayer & C. C. Phifer & T. Martins & E. C. Pischke & T. S. Propato & P. Cavigliasso & C. Garcia & M. Chiappe & A. Eastmond & J. Licata & M. Kuhlberg & R. Medeir, 2016. "A case study of strategies for fostering international, interdisciplinary research," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 6(2), pages 313-323, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:6:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s13412-015-0336-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-015-0336-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rotmans, J., 2005. "Societal Innovation: between dream and reality lies complexity," ERIM Inaugural Address Series Research in Management 7293, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam..
    2. Jessie L. Knowlton & Kathleen E. Halvorsen & Robert M. Handler & Michael O'Rourke, 2014. "Teaching Interdisciplinary Sustainability Science Teamwork Skills to Graduate Students Using In-Person and Web-Based Interactions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(12), pages 1-13, December.
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