Transdisciplinarity

Nano- and miniaturization technologies stand at the forefront of beneficiaries from a transdisciplinary approach of problem solving. Transdisciplinarity as a principle of integrative forms of research is an emerging model of learning and problem solving, the core idea of which is the amalgamation of different academic disciplines and practitioners in a joint effort to solve real-world problems. The inception of this cross-collaborative model was prompted by modern needs of problem solving. As such, transdisciplinarity may be viewed as a by product of the economic trends and technical globalization tendencies that dominated within the past few decades along with related sociopolitical and cultural impacts. The shifting scientific landscape from disciplinary to interdisciplinary to transdisciplinary can be attributed to different factors, such as the increasing dependence of economic growth and competitiveness on knowledge, an ever-increasing environmental awareness, and an increasing (and better educated/informed) population that is more demanding with respect to knowledge creation.

Complexity and unpredictability are two influential motivations for a transdisciplinary model of problem solving. Modern scientific views infer that many phenomena and processes are uncertain, even unpredictable. Such notions, advanced by the fledgling science of complexity, are the essence of transdisciplinarity. Thus, in general, one may think of transdisciplinarity as a methodology to manage, and perhaps harness, complexity in order to reach a solution of a multifaceted problem. Such a problem, or rather a lack of a solution, meanwhile, may affect many constituents (also called stakeholders) of a given population (e.g., society, science, universities, economic establishments).

In a transdisciplinary collaboration, people from different disciplines work jointly not only to address a specific research problem, but to have a deeper dialogue on how their specific knowledge and approaches can interact and be assimilated into new models and methodologies that apply beyond the scope of the research problem. Key requirements for development of a successful transdisciplinary initiative are institutional support, selection of a proper team with expertise in all necessary disciplines, the presence of a common goal, and constructive communication between all parties.

A transdiscplinary approach can achieve minimal entanglement between constituents while keeping them better informed about cross views and how such views may affect their parts. Transdisciplinarity ensures improved collective learning and synchronicity of thought processes when spending minimal effort in solving a given problem. Transdisciplinary approaches of problem solving are important for nano- and miniaturization technologies. This is because nanosciences and nanotechnologies, which attempt to probe the building blocks of matter, have far reaching consequences that may potentially impact every aspect of human life. In the United States, recognition of such a potential was manifested through the [Page 769]National Nanotechnology Initiative which involved several federal funding agencies focusing on research efforts that probe societal impact of nanotechnology. Similarly the European Union Framework Programs promote the formation of international transdisciplinary consortia focusing on the nanosciences. Nanotechnology is interdisciplinary by its very nature.

At the nanoscale traditional boundaries between sciences overlap, if not disappear. Thus, successful research relies not only on constructing an interdisciplinary architecture, but also on implementing an efficient methodology to manage the interaction between the various active elements. One area within the realm of nanotechnology where transdisciplinarity is essential is medical and health related applications. Here a methodological approach consolidating the scientific fields of genomics, diagnostics, and drug formulation/production, in combination with social studies in disease background, as it relates to environment and other factors, will be a major factor in improving societal health.

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