Brief
A new report to spur the development of interdisciplinary scientific research highlights two Fred Hutchinson activities that successfully promote such interactions.
"Facilitating Interdisciplinary Research," issued by the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy, identifies steps that individuals and institutions can take to more effectively conduct and facilitate interdisciplinary research programs.
The report features a description of Fred Hutchinson's Interdisciplinary Program, which includes dual-mentor and joint-degree components as well as pilot-project funding for interdisciplinary projects. It also cites the center's Interdisciplinary Club, an informal monthly forum for discussion of cross-disciplinary research projects. The report is available on line at http://books.nap.edu/books/0309094356/html/.