Eleven research teams funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) gathered at App State on October 6-8 for in-depth exploration of convergence research—the integration of knowledge, methods and perspectives across disciplines and sectors to address complex scientific and societal challenges. Teams affiliated with Cornell University, Washington State University, NC State, Ohio State, Columbia University and other institutions represented NSF-funded centers and institutes working in areas including climate systems, genomics, plant biology, soil-ecosystem sustainability, polar science and artificial intelligence for biodiversity.
Funded by the NSF, "Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Practice in Complex Research Centers" was hosted by App State's Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics (RIEEE) in its role advancing large-scale, interdisciplinary research collaboration and leadership capacity. The workshop, held in the Plemmons Student Union, culminated more than six months of collaborative work among the teams, each developing a detailed case study to explore the challenges, practices and successes of leading large, interdisciplinary research centers.
"App State was a natural host for this conference as we lean into and grow our collaborative capacities for interdisciplinary research in service of public impact research," said Dr. Christine Hendren, vice chancellor of research and innovation. "This is an area we want to expand and energize as a newly-designated R2 institution that is heavily engaged with undergraduate research."
Through facilitated sessions, panels and team exchanges, participants examined ways to operationalize convergence—translating principles of interdisciplinary collaboration and team science into tangible structures, tools and practices that can sustain long-term innovation and impact across research and higher education.
"This workshop was about strengthening the foundations of how we do science together," said Grace Marasco-Plummer, managing director of RIEEE. "By sharing real experiences and challenges, workshop participants helped research teams learn how to build effective and inclusive collaborative structures that can take on the most complex challenges facing society."
The teams will produce a convergence research compendium, a forthcoming publication capturing insights, lessons and practical guidance from the workshop to inform future efforts to operationalize convergence.
By Bret Yager
Photo: Converging on solutions from around the country, 11 teams funded by the National Science Foundation convened at App State Oct. 6-8 to refine ways to operationalize interdisciplinary research and education at scale. Photo by Chase Reynolds