Moving from interdisciplinary to convergent research across geoscience and social sciences: challenges and strategies

Connecting physical and social science datasets: challenges and pathways forward

“…As the spatial resolution of climate models is refined, however, uncertainty expands (Chen et al 2011, Deser et al 2012. Attempts to engage in convergence research can be thwarted when the spatial and temporal scales of these projections do not align with more granular-scale risk assessments (Finn et al 2022). Researchers who focus on local contexts of climate or other environmental change must build capacity for using physical and social science data in ways that support local decision-making and priorities.…”

“…Disciplinary research has contributed specific solutions aimed at addressing single dimensions of otherwise complex and multi-faceted socio-environmental problems. This kind of research, however, is not well-positioned to conduct or engage in holistic systems analyses (Finn et al 2022). Rather, the deep integration of disciplinary frameworks, methods, and data-i.e., interdisciplinary research (Daily and Ehrlich 1999, Bukvic et al 2022, Finn et al 2022-addresses socio-environmental problems as multidimensional.…”

“…This kind of research, however, is not well-positioned to conduct or engage in holistic systems analyses (Finn et al 2022). Rather, the deep integration of disciplinary frameworks, methods, and data-i.e., interdisciplinary research (Daily and Ehrlich 1999, Bukvic et al 2022, Finn et al 2022-addresses socio-environmental problems as multidimensional. Even better suited is 'convergence' research (National Research Council [NRC] 2014, National Science Foundation [NSF] 2019), an integrative and problem-driven process between academics, communities, and policymakers to advance research that transcends disciplines (NRC 2014, McNutt 2017, NSF 2019, Peek et al 2020, Morss et al 2021, Finn et al 2022.…”

“…Rather, the deep integration of disciplinary frameworks, methods, and data-i.e., interdisciplinary research (Daily and Ehrlich 1999, Bukvic et al 2022, Finn et al 2022-addresses socio-environmental problems as multidimensional. Even better suited is 'convergence' research (National Research Council [NRC] 2014, National Science Foundation [NSF] 2019), an integrative and problem-driven process between academics, communities, and policymakers to advance research that transcends disciplines (NRC 2014, McNutt 2017, NSF 2019, Peek et al 2020, Morss et al 2021, Finn et al 2022. Convergence research, and its participatory applications, can enhance inclusivity in the scientific process by co-developing and co-implementing solutions that reflect community and policy priorities (Peek et al 2020, Roque et al 2022a).…”

“…14 Several challenges, however, hamper interdisciplinary and convergence research. First, such approaches involve developing shared understandings of terms and concepts; clarifying ontological, epistemological, and methodological positions; examining unconscious assumptions and biases; and co-creating shared objectives through the research process-all requiring investments in time, vulnerability, and reflection (Matthiasson 1968, Daily and Ehrlich 1999, MacMynowski 2007, Halvorsen et al 2016, Palmer et al 2016, de Bruin and Morgan 2019, Morss et al 2021, Finn et al 2022, Bukvic et al 2022, Horcea-Milcu et al 2022. Second, these investments often remain disincentivized by academic reward systems, including funding bodies, tenure and promotion criteria and timelines, collaborator support, and publishing expectations (Heberlein 1988, Metzger and Zare 1999, Milman et al 2017, Hein et al 2018, Morss et al 2021, Bukvic et al 2022.…”