External advice can, among other things, be provided in relation to a more explicit formulation of the expectations of interdisciplinarity in the projects and, not least, in relation to the challenges you can expect to face as a leader of interdisciplinary research projects. This type of advising and guidance can, among other things, take place through presentations from experts in interdisciplinary work and by means of joint meetings of learning across the projects.

The Project Manager must motivate 

Several project managers in AAU's interdisciplinary research projects point to the importance of an open approach, where there is room to explore what can be done jointly across disciplines. It is a phase that requires that both project managers and project participants accept that everything is uncertain for a while, and this is a prerequisite for a well-functioning interdisciplinary collaboration.

During an interdisciplinary research project, lies a great responsibility for the project manager to keep up the spirit in the entire project group, Kirsten Gram-Hanssen, Project Manager for InterHUB, explains:

Plan a good process

You also get off to a good start with good planning of the interdisciplinary process, Rikke Magnussen, Project Manager for Community Drive, says:

Seek partners from other universities as well

There are relatively few sources of funding for interdisciplinary research. At the same time, in relation to applications to, for example, the EU, it can be a barrier if several disciplines from AAU are to be included in the same application, as there is a framework for how much one institution can occupy in the budget. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to search for partners from other disciplines together with other universities if you wish to work interdisciplinary.

Several project managers also point out that although emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approach when external funding is announced, it is rare to experience being judged from an interdisciplinary approach.

Importance of communicating the project

Despite these challenges, more than a third of the participants in the interdisciplinary research projects have experienced success in obtaining external research funding.

The external funding can also be a method for retaining people and knowledge, as the projects have primarily been supported by PhDs and postdocs who have a loose connection to AAU due to the temporary forms of employment. It can also be a means of bringing project results closer to practical application.