Cross-disciplinary

Cross-disciplinary, also known as interdisciplinary, describes an approach to learning, research, or problem-solving that integrates knowledge and methodologies from two or more distinct academic disciplines, fields of study, or areas of expertise. It moves beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines to create a more holistic and comprehensive understanding, often fostering innovation and new insights. This approach emphasizes collaboration, the exchange of ideas, and the synthesis of different perspectives to tackle complex issues that cannot be adequately addressed by a single discipline. It's driven by the recognition that many real-world challenges demand multi-faceted solutions.

Cross-disciplinary meaning with examples

• The university established a cross-disciplinary research center, bringing together scientists, engineers, and social scientists to study the impact of climate change on coastal communities. This collaborative effort aimed at creating holistic solutions, acknowledging both the scientific and societal dimensions of the challenge. By merging their knowledge, they sought to develop effective adaptation strategies.
• In architecture, a cross-disciplinary approach often incorporates engineering, urban planning, and environmental science. Architects might collaborate with engineers on structural designs, consider urban planning principles for site selection, and factor in environmental impacts during the design phase, ensuring sustainable and integrated buildings.
• To develop a new curriculum, the education department adopted a cross-disciplinary framework, integrating history, literature, and art to enhance critical thinking skills. The curriculum fostered deeper student engagement, with students exploring themes through diverse viewpoints and artistic representations, ultimately achieving a broader educational experience.
• The hospital formed a cross-disciplinary team composed of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. This multi-faceted team would manage the overall patient care needs, understanding that a patient's well-being encompasses not only physical health, but also psychological and social factors, providing comprehensive support.
• The development of artificial intelligence (AI) often relies on a cross-disciplinary approach, combining computer science, mathematics, linguistics, and cognitive science. The interdisciplinary approach would allow for better solutions by merging mathematical algorithms with language processing and psychological study.
• When developing a new medical device, a cross-disciplinary team of engineers, physicians, and biologists were consulted. The engineers focused on the device's mechanical design, the physicians on its clinical usability, and the biologists on biocompatibility, fostering integrated and practical design. They understood that medical breakthroughs involve several disciplines.