Circus Knowledge Observatory – a knowledge hub

It is important for CIRCUS to be in continuous contact with relevant research on cross-cutting research and to have knowledge exchanges with national and international entities with similar missions. This contributes to quality assurance of our activities and makes it easier for researchers at Uppsala University to come into contact with knowledge relevant to the development of inter- and multidisciplinary initiatives. CIRCUS also intends to develop a dedicated researcher network within Uppsala University for those interested in inter- and multidisciplinarity as an object of knowledge.

What do the different concepts such as multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity mean?

At CIRCUS, we are quite often asked what the difference is between the terms multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and other similar terms used to describe research that cuts across boundaries. The short answer is that ‘interdisciplinarity’ is generally used when research across subject boundaries is characterised by a relatively significant degree of integration. ‘Multidisciplinarity’ in turn is used for collaborative research involving several disciplines but with little integration.

There is fairly extensive discussion of concepts in the literature, including many more concepts and different emphases and nuances in different contexts. A useful introduction to this literature can be found at SHAPE-ID (see under resources).

At CIRCUS we sometimes use the term ‘cross-cutting research collaborations’ as an umbrella term for the various types of cross-disciplinary research collaboration that can occur.