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Interdisciplinary Research at the Nation's Coastal Laboratories
The Biological Bulletin
|December 16, 2017
Summary
Marine and coastal research is increasingly interdisciplinary, driven by complex problems. Funding agencies must support both collaborative and individual scientific innovation for sustained coastal zone development.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Aquatic research
- Coastal zone science
Background:
- Coastal research institutions face survival challenges.
- Interdisciplinary research is crucial but often unrecognized.
- Successful collaboration spans various scales, from individual labs to large programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trend of interdisciplinary research in U.S. marine and coastal laboratories.
- To identify challenges and opportunities for these research programs.
- To propose strategies for supporting diverse research approaches.
Main Methods:
- Survey of interdisciplinary research in national marine and coastal laboratories.
- Analysis of collaboration trends and their drivers.
- Assessment of the diversity of expertise and technical competence.
Main Results:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration in marine research is scientist-driven, rapid, and increasing.
- This trend enhances the diversity of expertise and technical capabilities within coastal labs.
- There is a growing need for new methods to represent this diversity.
Conclusions:
- A national agenda for marine and coastal research is needed to represent interdisciplinary work.
- Funding must balance large multidisciplinary programs with support for innovative individual scientists.
- A balanced approach is essential for sustained economic development of coastal zones.
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