Evolution of Interdisciplinary Science and Structural Changes of Institutions : Case studies of research strategy and development at the University of Tokyo(<SPECIAL REPORT>TOWARD INTERDISCIPLINARITY IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT)

Abstract

Three case studies of interdisciplinary research are presented, describing: (1) organizational changes, (2) a new graduate program, and (3) the creation of Office of Research Strategy and Development at Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo. The progress of interdisciplinary research is equivalent to the progress of science itself, with the evolution of both affecting each other. This process in turn accelerates change in the organizational structure of universities, leading to further advance of interdisciplinary research. Through these case studies, we illustrate the interaction between evolution of interdisciplinary science and structural changes of institutions, and discuss the role of research strategy and development in interdisciplinary research.