I examine the topic of training scientific generalists. To focus thediscussion, I propose the creation of a new graduate program, analogous instructure to existing MD/PhD programs, aimed at training a critical mass ofscientific researchers with substantial intellectual breadth. In addition tocompleting the normal requirements for a PhD, students would undergo anintense, several year training period designed to expose them to the corevocabulary of multiple subjects at the graduate level. After providing somehistorical and philosophical context for this proposal, I outline how such aprogram could be implemented with little institutional overhead by existingresearch universities. Finally, I discuss alternative possibilities fortraining generalists by taking advantage of contemporary developments in onlinelearning and open science.
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