Abstract

Interdisciplinary research is perceived as a natural outgrowth of the realization that few facets of the world exist in isolation. Indeed, interdisciplinary research provides a challenge to develop new perspectives, paradigms, or Gestalts. An examination of interdisciplinary teaching and research applications reveals that such an approach is both viable and fruitful. Impediments to the implementation of interdisciplinary research are discussed from the individual point of view and at the institutional level. Despite barriers, the outlook for interdisciplinary research in the future is promising.