Eventyr: We Invent the Future of Interdisciplinary Research

I was annoyed with myself for being late to this session, as it was one I had been anticipating for a while.

As my research is (rather wildly) interdisciplinary, and I lead a graduate class in interdisciplinary and group processes, it was certainly set to be of value to me. Sadly the second half of the talk, the bit I made it to, didn't solve my problems with my research not being “computer science-y” enough, but then I think that is something I need to resolve through my own hard work.

There were several interesting points that I leapt on however.

You need to be stubborn. To push a new field forward you need to be willing to go against the grain and not take things, or others opinions, as given truths. Be willing to push for what you believe in.
Fields move from 'out there' to interdisciplinary to accepted; cognitive science, HCI, AI, Gaming, Ubiquitous Computing, Bio-Informatics.
It will always be hard to keep up with two fields at the same time. This is never an easy path.
Consider what your field is - how do the disciplines you work in contribute to this field? How do they change perspective on the field?
Read broadly, and remember to cultivate a network of people who can support you.

Some useful places to start: