Interdisciplinary and multi-institutional higher learning : reflecting on a South African case study investigating complex and dynamic environmental challenges
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Date
Authors
Esler, Karen J. (Karen Joan)
Downsborough, L.
Roux, D.J.
Blignaut, James Nelson
Milton, Sue J. (Suzanne Jane), 1952-
Le Maitre, D.C. (David Carlyle)
De Wit, M.P. (Martinus Petrus)
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Complex social-ecological problems need sustained
interdisciplinary engagements across multiple disciplines, yet
academic offerings continue to reflect disciplinary silos. To
address this, a five-year program, within a developing country
context, was conceived to follow an interdisciplinary research
mode using a team of students and supervisors from various
institutions across the disciplines of ecology, hydrology and
economics. By using a flexible student training model, regional/
site specific knowledge was developed while simultaneously
developing a shared vision and a model to combine information
from each student project. Graduates felt enabled by the
program that actively encouraged interdisciplinary interactions
and engagements while simultaneously furthering disciplinary
development. Cross disciplinary communication, was
achieved through multiple engagement opportunities and
common research outputs, all facilitated by an external
boundary organization. While lengthy time frames are required
for such collaborative interdisciplinary programs, researchers,
higher learning institutions and funding agencies should not
avoid this type of program and investment.
Description
Keywords
South African case study, Investigating, Dynamic environmental challenges
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Esler, KJ, Downsborough, L, Roux, DJ, Blignaut, J, Milton, S, Le Maitre, D & De Wit, MP 2016, 'Interdisciplinary and multi-institutional higher learning : reflecting on a South African case study investigating complex and dynamic environmental challenges', Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, vol. 19, pp. 76-86.