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The Elusive Pursuit of Interdisciplinarity at the Human–Environment Interface
Environmental challenges are complex and require expertise from multiple disciplines. Consequently, there is growing interest in interdisciplinary
environmental research that integrates natural and social science, an often arduous undertaking. We surveyed researchers interested and experienced
in research at the human–environment interface to assess perspectives on interdisciplinary research. Integrative interdisciplinary research
has eluded many of our respondents, whose efforts are better described as additive multidisciplinary research. The respondents identified many
advantages and rewards of interdisciplinary research, including the creation of more-relevant knowledge. However, they also reported significant
challenges and obstacles, including tension with departments (49%) or institutions (61%), communication difficulties, and differing disciplinary
approaches, as well as institutional barriers (e.g., a lack of credit in promotion and tenure). Most (52%) believed that developing interdisciplinary
breadth should begin as early as the undergraduate level. We apply our results to recommendations for successful interdisciplinary endeavors.Keywords: coupled human and natural systems, sustainability, interdisciplinary research, social–ecological systems, surveyKeywords: coupled human and natural systems, sustainability, interdisciplinary research, social–ecological systems, surve