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4 URoL: Multidisciplinary Research, Education and Training, and Broader Impacts
Pages 50-60

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From page 50...
... Research teams funded under the epigenetics, synthetic cells, microbiome, and emergent networks programs include scientists representing a diversity of scientific specialties in the biological, physical, chemical, engineering, social, computer, and mathematical sciences (see Figure 4-1)
From page 51...
... SOURCE: Created with information from URoL project principal investigators. Co-Development to Enhance Multidisciplinary Research A common theme discussed by many of the project PIs during the workshop was the codevelopment of a product (e.g., diagram, conceptual figure of the project, grant-writing, general presentation, paper, training materials)
From page 52...
... By participating in this process, the research team built a "foundation of true friendship" and helped to address language barriers among disciplines. Fiore stated that the process involved in co-developing a product is often more critical to fostering successful team science than finishing the product itself.
From page 53...
... When asked about whether students, particularly undergraduate students, were comfortable asking questions, she acknowledged that anonymous surveys of areas for improvement between hierarchies could be helpful, even though this was not included in their URoL project. Fiore suggested using an external facilitator, such as an integration expert or research development professional, to assist collaborating teams during project development and to address both interpersonal issues (i.e., power dynamics)
From page 54...
... Fiore asked the PIs how they learn while working on their projects, and Garbarino asked how the PIs create educational materials or train the next generation of researchers. In response, participants highlighted several approaches for education and training to enhance multidisciplinary research, including: • Attending field-specific or academic conferences; • Reading scientific and science fiction literature; • Incorporating multidisciplinary science concepts into existing training programs; • Facilitating laboratory exchanges and in-person meetings; • Recognizing the research story that led to a published scientific paper (referred to as "paper unwind")
From page 55...
... said that developing educational materials, such as practical guidance, collectively by research teams can help to introduce multidisciplinary science to undergraduate students. Co-development of such teaching materials could help the research team to identify and unpack their assumptions to educate students about the types of perspectives and resources used in research design and conduct.
From page 56...
... Still, participants highlighted several broad societal issues that URoL research could address human, animal, and plant health; food and agriculture production; health of the environment; climate change and associated risks; environmental sustainability and remediation; STEM education; and bio-based industry and the bioeconomy.
From page 57...
... Putnam shared a recent article that she had co-authored, which focused on developing inclusive metrics to address discriminatory practices in research enterprises. Maximizing the Broader Impact of Education and Outreach Through Partnerships with Established Organizations URoL projects can enhance educational opportunities for primary school students, underserved communities, and local communities in which research is conducted.
From page 58...
... Several participants suggested identifying all the rules or common principles that make biology work rather than focusing on specific rules of life. They contrasted rules commonly described in physics research with what exists in the life sciences.
From page 59...
... • Support for science communication could be included in the project budget. • Emphasizing communication, involving external facilitators to support multidisciplinary teams, and taking steps to anticipate and resolve issues at the beginning of research projects could help to address the inherent difficulties of multidisciplinary research.


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