Post-graduate students pursuing interdisciplinary research often face a myriad of challenges associated with bringing disparate theories and ways of knowing into one research project. Students may receive little institutional support to navigate this complex interdisciplinary arena, particularly in the face of departmental silos within universities. The Interdisciplinary Research Network (IRN) is a student-run network of doctoral researchers across faculties and institutions that aims to tackle this challenge through peer support and skills sharing. Join us for a two-part workshop exploring ways in which students can navigate the complex arena of an interdisciplinary PhD.
Day 1: Getting started (9:00-12:30, June 9th, 2022)
The first session centres on the idea of interdisciplinarity and approaches to “weaving” together methodologies across disciplines. We also address familiar challenges that students face in managing their supervisors, including differing opinions, justifying bringing in knowledge or approaches from different disciplines, and finding guidance on topics outside their expertise. Participants will have the chance to discuss their own experiences of both aspects in small groups.
Day 2: Looking forward (9:00-12:30, June 10th, 2022)
The second session will focus on strategies for interdisciplinary writing, from tackling an ever-expanding base of literature to review, to communicating ideas across scientific disciplines, to considering different writing styles in the thesis. We also discuss ways to develop skills and build a career in interdisciplinary research with a panel of speakers across different faculties who have transitioned from their PhD into interdisciplinary careers.
Consider joining our network!