Retreating to advance interdisciplinary research
processes: The case of the Health Research Futures Lab, Limerick
Annmarie
Ryan, Niamh NicGhabhann, Muireann McMahon, Marilyn Lennon, Tracy Fahey and
jazmin Chodi
Abstract
The
Health Research Futures lab (hereafter the Lab) was held in Limerick over 4
days in March/April 2016. The Lab, was based on a model of interdisciplinary
research developed at the University of Limerick by an interdisciplinary group
from the faculties of Science and Engineering (led by the School of
Architecture), the Kemmy Business School and the Irish World Academy of Music
and Dance (AHSS). The main aim of the Lab was to build capacity amongst Irish
researchers to work in interdisciplinary research teams by facilitating an
environment that supported interdisciplinary research, developing a structured
approach to ideation, co-creation and co-researching, and to bring a series of
research projects to pitch stage. The Lab acted as a live experiential learning
environment, where full time researchers were enabled to develop their capacity
to work in interdisciplinary teams in a safe environment. Researchers were
facilitated through a design led process, supported by the consortium team as
well as a number of research support staff. The participants began the workshop
as individual researchers, and finished as members of interdisciplinary teams,
ready and presented a proposal for a future research project to an expert
panel. The approach taken made the workshop highly interactive and a productive
use of researchers’ time. In this chapter the design principles of the Lab will
be explained and explored in terms of their contribution to knowledge in the
field of interdisciplinary research, and how it can be supported. Key
dimensions will be elaborated upon, including the use of design tools to enable
researchers to identify and explore research ideas together; the retreat
dimension which meant that researchers worked over 2x48 hour time frames
working, eating and socialising together as a means to develop community; and
finally the use of experiential exercises used throughout the early stages of
the workshop which aimed to enable trust and build community. These aspects, we
believe were vital in the overall success of this interdisciplinary workshop,
and points towards the importance of not overlooking process when supporting
IDR.