Embedding Social Sciences in Interdisciplinary Research: Recent Experiences from Interdisciplinary Energy Research

摘要

Ulrike Felt's article calling for a reconsideration of the role of social sciences and humanities in Europe is welcome and timely (Felt, 2014). It also reminds us about some long-standing opportunities and challenges in interdisciplinary research. From a few points she raises, here I will offer reflections from my vantage point as an interdisciplinary energy researcher with a background in both physical and social sciences, and graduate research experience in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies. For the past eight years (2006-14) I have been closely involved in the research programme of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC). Over the past five years I was UKERC's national Research Co-ordinator, with responsibilities for research commissioning, management and strategy. I recently led a review of UKERC's interdisciplinary achievements and challenges (Winskel et al., 2014a).