Junior researchers’ experience of innovation in a multidisciplinary team environment

Abstract

This paper describes junior researchers’ experience of innovative research, with the aim of encouraging fellow junior academics. Through the experience, the team recognised that context and flexibility are key factors in the research process. These factors are discussed in the light of three specific features of this project. First is the type of research the team engages in: meta-research, which includes looking at how research is managed. Second, the team is embedded in a larger organisation that holds a broad range of perspectives, from molecular scientists to sociologists. Third, the organisation offers unique opportunities not available through the traditional academic paradigm. Identification of these factors influenced the learning associated with engaging in innovative research, not in the least was the lesson that research does not follow a linear path. These concepts are framed by Blumer's theory of Symbolic Interactionism.

Keywords:

• multidisciplinary teams
• interdisciplinary research
• research practice
• innovation
• reflective practice
• organisational learning

Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.K. Department of Health and of the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre.

Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.K. Department of Health and of the NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Iva Seto

About the authors

Iva Seto is a Research Coordinator in the Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence (ARCHE) at the University of Alberta. She holds degrees in molecular genetics, comparative literature, and information science. Prior to joining ARCHE, she was a Research Fellow in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton, U.K. Her research interests include: knowledge management, reflective practice, knowledge translation, and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research.

Louise Dent is a Senior Clinical Trials Unit Statistician at the University of Southampton Clinical Trials Unit. Louise has worked as a Statistician for the NHS and Pharmaceutical Industry and for the National Institute for Health Research in the U.K. Louise holds degrees in Medical Statistic and Mathematics. Her research interests include: design, conduct and reporting of clinical trials and meta-analysis.