Navigating Complexities: Challenges in Managing and Collaborating within Interdisciplinary Research

Abstract

Interdisciplinary research embodies the collaborative essence of the academic community, bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Nonetheless, the integration of these various disciplines into research projects is a complex endeavor. This study seeks to investigate the difficulties faced by academics when undertaking interdisciplinary research projects and collaborating with colleagues from different fields. Specifically, it seeks to determine whether age plays a significant role in project management, whether teaching experience contributes to project success, and whether gender influences collaboration within research teams. Data was collected from 36 academics across multiple educational institutions. The findings indicate that numerous challenges are linked to managing interdisciplinary research and working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, the study found no significant differences in age, teaching experience, or gender concerning the difficulties encountered in managing and collaborating on research projects.