Convergence: facilitating transdisciplinary integration of life sciences, physical sciences, engineering and beyong / Committee on Key Challenge Areas for Convergence and Health, Board on Life Sciences, Division on Earth and Life Studies

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Summary.. 1 1. Introduction.. 1.1 A Science and Technology Revolution is Occurring.. 1.2 Convergence is an Expanded Form of Interdisciplinary Research.. 1.3 Convergent Thinking is Advancing Science.. 1.4 Institutions Need Guidance to Foster Convergence Effectively.. 1.5 Organization of the Report.. 2. Convergence in action.. 2.1 A Knowledge Network Will Improve Disease Treatment.. 2.2 Three Dimensional Printing Will Bring New Healthcare Options.. 2.3 Convergence Occurs in Federal Agencies: ARPA-E.. 2.4 Convergence Occurs in Industry: Biotechnology.. 2.5 Convergence Stimulates the Bio-based Economy.. 3. Convergence is informed by research areas with broad scope.. 3.1 Terminology and Concepts.. 3.2 Many Factors Affect the Success of Integrative and Collaborative Research.. 3.3 Revising STEM Education Will Facilitate Convergence.. 3.4 Convergence May Contribute to Understanding Quantification and Reproducibility in Life Sciences.. 3.5 Convergence Extends Beyond the Integration of Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering.. 4. Fostering convergence in organizations: challenges and strategies.. 4.1 Convergence is Facilitated by Depth and Breadth of Expertise.. 4.2 Diverse Perspectives Support Innovation.. 4.3 Convergence Requires a Culture and Supporting Structures

4.4 Convergence Intersects with Faculty Structures and Reward Systems.. 4.5 Facilities and Workspaces Can Be Designed for Convergent Research.. 4.6 Education and Training Programs Can Be Developed to Foster Convergence.. 4.7 Convergence Relies on Effective Partnership Arrangements.. 4.8 Sustainable Funding is Necessary for Convergence Efforts.. 4.9 The Convergence Ecosystem Includes Core Elements.. 5. Advancing knowledge and solving complex problems through convergence: conclusion and recommendations.. 5.1 Conclusions.. 5.2 National Coordination is Needed.. References.. Appendixes A. Committee Member Biographies.. B. Workshop on Key Challenges in the Implementation of Convergence: Agenda and Participants

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The scientific opportunities enabled by convergence-the coming together of insights and approaches from originally distinct fields-will make fundamental contributions in our drive to provide creative solutions to the most difficult problems facing us as a society. This convergence provides power to think beyond usual paradigms and to approach issues informed by many perspectives instead of few. In my own experience, the potential for innovation and successful problem solving becomes greater when we are able to harness the knowledge bases, skill sets, and diversity of experience of individuals in an environment that fosters dialogue and respectful participation by all team members. Ultimately, I believe this will entail partnerships at the intersection not only of the life and medical sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, and engineering, but also economic, social, and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities disciplines, and beyond, thereby amplifying the potential for innovations of incredible variety and magnitude. Those who participate in convergent science are excited by the possibilities, but they know how difficult are the challenges to creating and sustaining environments that facilitate it. The present study was undertaken to better understand these challenges and to explore examples of current convergence programs in order to inform investigators and organizations interested in expanding or establishing their own efforts. Beyond this goal, the approach embodied by convergence provides a framework for thinking about the research enterprise and the network of partners that together form the ecosystem that enables science from innovative research to translational application. Convergence provides us with an opportunity not only to discuss strategies to advance science but also to elevate discussions on how to tackle fundamental structural challenges in our research universities, funding systems, policies, and partnerships. eng

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