What do convergence science, sustainability, and a hotdog bun have in common? Admittedly this sounds like a really bad geek joke, but bear with me.
As anyone who has sought NSF funding in the last half-decade knows, convergence research is research that catalyzes scientific discovery and innovation that is (i) driven by a specific and compelling problem, and (ii) requires the deep integration of knowledge across multiple disciplines. NSF has dedicated considerable funds to growing convergence research spurred by the fact that complex problems can’t be solved within the confines of a single discipline.
Much of convergence research is motivated by sustainability challenges, including new technologies and innovations that can improve resource efficiencies, reduce environmental impacts, or improve human health. Whether or not a new technology or innovation could be successful in addressing these challenges depends on the complex social-environmental-technological system within which it operates.
Take electric vehicles (EVs) as an example. Innovations in EV technologies are motivated by the immediate need to reduce carbon emissions from gasoline-powered engines, but this depends on many other factors that extend well beyond the technology, including the availability and costs of critical battery materials such as lithium; the transition of the electricity grid to a much greater proportion of renewables and its ability to accommodate large scale EV charging; and the affordability and appeal of EVs to consumers. There are also potential unintended consequences: EVs may worsen congestion, divert investments from other types of transit, and deepen existing inequities of a mobility system built upon the private ownership of automobiles.
This brings us to the hotdog and bun. Think of any given technological innovation as a hot dog (it makes us say “hotdog, look at that!”). But to be successful, its design and application relies on knowledge from other disciplines, the condiments, and a bun that enables an integrated approach.
Sustainability science is the bun: it integrates knowledge from natural and social sciences, engineering, policy, law, business, public health, humanities, and other disciplines to understand the broader social-environmental-technological systems. This understanding is critical to guide new technology innovations that improve the health and well-being of people, protect earth’s systems, and make our communities more sustainable, resilient and equitable.
The President’s Research Excellence (PRE) Program Catalyst Grants seeks to support large cross- and interdisciplinary teams to pursue large-scale, high-impact research that addresses emerging or existing challenges of national and international societal importance in specific areas. These include technology-oriented domains, such as AI, machine learning, and digitized manufacturing, as well as specific sustainability topics in energy, food, transportation and human health. This is a perfect opportunity to support “hot dog and bun” style convergent research that integrates technology and sustainability science approaches. Catalyst Grants will provide up to $200,000 for an 18-24 month performance period. Two-page concept papers are due June 18. More details, including the areas of interest, can be found here.
The Sustainability Institute is eager to help develop highly interdisciplinary “hot dog and bun” teams. If you have an idea or need help building a team, please reach out to me or any of the SI research program leaders.
