Doing Interdisciplinary Research

Dr Sawsan Khuri (SHFEA, FRSA) is an educator and entrepreneur. She runs Collaborative Capacities, working with research organisations and funding agencies to facilitate impactful mission-driven cross-sector collaborations and inclusive training. Their recent work with clients both nationally and internationally has focused on strategy development for specific project themes and ethical leadership. Passionate about powering entrepreneurship in young people, Sawsan is the Founding CEO of Volt Entrepreneurs Limited. She is featured in the Super Cool Scientists Coloring Book (Sara MacSorely, 2017), and won the Girls to Women Award at the Diversity Business Incubator Gala 2024. Her contribution to science education continues as a part time Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Exeter Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Sawsan plays a leadership role in several international organisations, and serves on a number of Boards.

Chapter 1: Introduction: The need for interdisciplinarity and the interdisciplinary mindset Part I. What is (Inter)Disciplinary Research? Chapter 2: Disciplines, cultures and interdisciplinarity Chapter 3: Understanding where to start with interdisciplinary research Chapter 4: Developing skills for interdisciplinary work Part II. Team and Task Integration Processes in Interdisciplinary Research Chapter 5: Defining your interdisciplinary research problem Chapter 6: Forming your interdisciplinary research project team Chapter 7: Integrating your interdisciplinary research team Chapter 8: Maintaining productivity in your interdisciplinary research project Chapter 9: Evolving your interdisciplinary research project Part III. An introduction to leadership and evaluation in interdisciplinary research Chapter 10: Leading interdisciplinary research Chapter 11: Evaluating interdisciplinary research

With vivid case studies, deep expertise, and genuine authenticity, this book weaves together the many strands of interdisciplinary research into something both intellectually rich and deeply human. The author brings clarity and skill to complex questions, offering not only a thoughtful guide to interdisciplinary work, but also an inspiring window into how such work can be approached with rigor, curiosity, and care. What makes the book especially compelling is its blend of personal journey, strong scholarship, and practical insight. Through rich examples and a clear commitment to identity, equity, and cultural competence, the author shows that interdisciplinary research is not just about combining fields, but about building meaningful connections across perspectives in ways that are both rigorous and impactful. -- Dr L. Michelle Bennett Written in an accessible voice, this text nonetheless will prove a vital resource for interdisciplinary researchers of all levels. A roadmap for the novice, a way forward to more experienced researchers contemplating interdisciplinary work for the first time, and insight into new tools, such as AI and Design Thinking, for the seasoned researcher. An invaluable resource to develop understanding of interdisciplinary research, plan a project and develop the necessary skills for success. -- Dr Karen Kenny Doing Interdisciplinary Research will be a must-have volume for anyone interested in practicing or studying interdisciplinarity. Its erudite approach combines theoretical sophistication with a practical sensibility that will help the experienced interdisciplinarian as much as the novice. -- Prof Michale O'Rourke Doing Interdisciplinary Research is a rich and generous handbook for readers at any stage of their interdisciplinary journey. It makes interdisciplinarity feel practically learnable, offering clear frameworks, tools and reflective guidance for developing the skills, habits and confidence needed to participate thoughtfully and effectively in interdisciplinary research contexts. -- Kunqi Huang An invitation to return to our deepest motivations as researchers while learning to navigate systemic, intersectional challenges as interdisciplinarians. Realistic and approachable. -- Dr Bethany Laursen An incredibly engaging and comprehensive manual to Interdisciplinary research! In centering curiosity as the driving force of interdisciplinary inquiry, Khuri proves anyone can practice interdisciplinary research. Following the authors step by step breakdown, has increased my confidence in planning my own interdisciplinary dissertation; a highly recommendable read for students! -- Sara Albakri An exceptionally well-written and thoughtful appreciation of the challenges and opportunities associated with inter-disciplinary research. The author artfully blends insightful discussions of the dynamics of interdisciplinary working relationships with case studies that illustrate otherwise abstract principles. Her book leaves you with much to think about and yet specific ideas about how to go about managing the day-to-day realities of interdisciplinary research. -- Dr Howard Gadlin If you let it, this book will change how you approach any collaboration, not just interdisciplinary ones. Sawsan Khuri's approach to both thinking about and undertaking interdisciplinary work allows you to put into action the best practices that emerge from the study of effective transdisciplinary teams. Doing Interdisciplinary Research puts theory through the lens of hands-on experience and turns it into practical approaches to genuinely work across disciplines. -- M (Peg) AtKisson An excellent reference for novice and experienced transdisciplinary researchers alike, with history, frameworks, and practical tools all in one. This book is a complete roadmap from foundational concepts to real application. Essential reading for anyone navigating inter- and transdisciplinary research collaborations. -- Dr Alison Deviney This practical guide is an essential addition to any aspiring interdisciplinary researcher's toolbox. It is written in a clear and accessible style, making the case for interdisciplinarity, what it involves, and how to get started. Khuri's case studies and explainers model the creative and critical approaches she promotes, inspiring readers while demonstrating the practices she wants to see. It will be particularly helpful to early career researchers considering their own professional and career development, addressing both the competencies to build and where to focus their energy and attention. Khuri argues convincingly for a whole-systems approach that takes researchers beyond a narrow focus on academic outputs towards real-world impact, and shows its value. Doing Interdisciplinary Research makes clear that these skills are those all researchers need, with particular emphasis on relational skills such as communication, collaboration, and the facilitation that holds it all together. -- Dr Yolana Pringle Whether tackling biodiversity loss, climate change or other environmental challenges, effective solutions depend on bringing together different forms of knowledge and expertise. Sawsan Khuri's insightful and practical guide equips researchers with the mindset, skills and tools needed to build successful interdisciplinary collaborations and deliver meaningful impact. -- Dr Alina Congreve Rigorous yet accessible, this book is an indispensable training resource for developing the interdisciplinary mindset and collaborative competencies essential to modern research teams. -- Dr Deborah DiazGranados