University of Alberta
ER-19: Interdisciplinary Research in Tenure and Promotion

The Academic Plan for the University of Alberta, Dare to Deliver 2011-2015 promotes interdisciplinary research across the institution. One of the metrics in place for recognizing progress being made is "further development of collaborative and interdisciplinary research programs" (p. 8). In addition, the Academic Chapter of the Comprehensive Institutional Plan (CIP) states “The University of Alberta is uniquely positioned to offer innovative and, in some cases, interdisciplinary programming through interfaculty connections, Campus Alberta collaborations, and with national and international consortia.” There are a number of goals and strategies in place to promote interdisciplinary research: ACCESS STRATEGY 18.3. To increase interdisciplinary collaborative program development. Create and implement a policy framework for the development of interdisciplinary programs. Develop interdisciplinary collaborative programs. Specific examples from faculties include: - Reorganization of interdisciplinary programs and Office of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Faculty of Arts - Increased collaboration across departments, development of cross-disciplinary core graduate courses in the Faculty of Arts - Develop Interdisciplinary graduate studentships in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry - Develop theme-based (e.g., Sustainability, Northern Studies, International Studies) and skill-specific (e.g., Certificate of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education) certificates that enable students to pursue multiple interests and interdisciplinary learning ACCESS GOAL 21 To increase interdisciplinary collaborative program and initiative development in order to offer students innovative and relevant educational opportunities. Support interdisciplinary collaborations that define new areas of investigation and creativity and represent innovation in cultural and social approaches. Examples here include fine arts and nanoscience; the art and design of healthcare equipment; narrative and visual design for computer gaming; intersection of computing science, history, and literature and the intersection of anthropology, science, and Aboriginal studies; postcolonial studies. There are also examples of infrastructure that supports interdisciplinary research (e.g. Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Kule Institute for Advanced Study). Faculty evaluation where interdisciplinary research is carried out allows input from across the university. For example, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Faculty Evaluation guidelines state: for those Faculty members who are also members of interdisciplinary teaching and/or research groups (e.g. institutes, centres) feedback is welcome from a range of inputs.