11-12 February 2005, Aachen, Germany
Coorganised with the German Rectors' Conference (HRK)
and with the support of the European Microsoft Innovation Center (EMIC)
Hosted by RWTH Aachen University
A recent EUA study on the financing of university research showed that universities place high importance on an increase in problem-based interdisciplinary research activity in order to produce innovation and take it to the market. Technical universities are often leading this process given their natural close links with technology development; however, comprehensive universities increasingly seek new forms of joint research between disciplines.
Based on case studies presented from the Technical Universities of Aachen, Zürich and Trondheim, as well as from the Universities of Edinburgh and Charles University, Prague, this workshop examined new ways to develop and manage interdisciplinary research and innovation and focused on: structures to facilitate interdisciplinary research within a higher education institution; strategic and management challenges for interdisciplinary research projects; new and different criteria to evaluate interdisciplinary research; incentives for interdisciplinary research given the traditional academic career structure; links between teaching and research when research becomes increasingly interdisciplinary; and external partners, i.e., industry (multinationals and SMEs), or other public and private institutions.
Programme
Speaker Biographies
List of Participants
Summary of Case Studies
Background Document
Presentations and Case Studies
Introduction
- Wolfgang Bleck
, Deputy Rector for structure, research and academic trainees, RWTH Aachen University - Christiane Ebel-Gabriel
, Secretary General, Germa Rectors' Conference - Jane Grimson
, Member of the European Research Advisory Board (EURAB) to the European Commission, Vice Provost of the University of Dublin - Trinity College
Case Studies
"The Global Knowledge Race: Building effective interdisciplinary research structures for a better international competitive positioning"
RWTH Aachen University, Germany
- Thomas Gries
, Chair, RWTH Interdisciplinary Forums and Institute of Textile Technology
"Converging Technologies: Managing NTNUs interdisciplinary strategic areas successfully"
Norwegian Univeristy of Science & Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Tore Lindmo
, Professor of medical technology, Deputy Director of Strategic Area Medical Technology
"Shaping the Future: problem-orientated participatory research for the Czech Society"
Charles University, Prague, Czech Republich
- Martin Potucek
, Head, Centre for Socieal and Economic Strategies (CESES)
"Innovation Initiatives: Promoting interdisciplinary research at ETH Zürich"
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
"The Edinburgh-Stanford Link: Interdisciplinary, transatlantic research designed to have economic as well a scientific impact"
Univeristy of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Bob Smailes
, Director, Edinburgh Research and Innovation (ERI)
Open Space Discussion
Closing Statement
For more information on the results of this workshop, please contact MUC-workshop@eua.be.