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Introduction to Interdisciplinary Academy

The Interdisciplinary Academy (IDA) is a cross-disciplinary initiative at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) that began in 2022. The core of IDA consists of cross-disciplinary research groups that, over an eight-month period, have the opportunity to develop their ability to work in a cross-disciplinary manner in an inspiring environment.

Objective of IDA

The initiative aims to increase knowledge of and interest in cross-disciplinary research work at SLU, strengthen the ability of SLU researchers to address research questions from a cross- and multi-disciplinary perspective, and facilitate collaborations between different institutions.

Structure and Operation

In IDA's theme groups, consisting of researchers with different academic backgrounds, participants have the opportunity to dedicate 20% of their employment time over eight months, starting in November, to work together on complex issues and deepen their understanding of cross-disciplinary working methods. During the program period, physical meetings are organized in Uppsala once a month, and digital meetings are held in between. The Ullbo House on Campus Ultuna, next to the Knowledge Park, serves as the creative environment and gathering place for IDA participants.

Application and Participation

Applications to IDA are made in groups around a theme that the group itself formulates in the application and must be related to complex issues in the area of green transition. The work in the theme groups can result in applications for larger projects or seed funding, but it is not required to do so. The important aspect here is not the goal, but the journey an opportunity for participants to explore and develop their ability to work cross-disciplinarily without feeling any pressure for specific performance. The final result should be an increased understanding, knowledge level, and maturity among our researchers regarding cross-disciplinarity.

Leadership and Funding

IDA is led and coordinated by Marie Stenseke, Professor of Cultural Geography at the University of Gothenburg and Deputy Dean of the School of Business, Economics and Law, with long-standing experience in cross-disciplinary contexts. The Interdisciplinary Academy was initiated in 2022 by SLU Future Food, one of SLU's four future platforms, all of which are tasked with promoting cross-disciplinarity at the university. The initiative is co-financed from 2022 to spring 2025 by the NJ Faculty, in line with the faculty's strategy to strengthen the ability to address research questions from a cross- and multi-disciplinary perspective and facilitate collaborations between different institutions within the framework of initiatives on cross- and multi-disciplinarity. From autumn 2025, IDA will be led and financed in collaboration between SLU Future Food and SLU Urban Futures.