Biomedical research traditionally has been organized much like a series of cottage industries, lumping researchers into broad areas of scientific interest and then grouping them into distinct, departmentally based specialties. But, as science has advanced over the past decade and the molecular secrets of life have become more accessible, two fundamental themes are apparent: the study of human biology and behavior is a wonderfully dynamic process, and the traditional divisions within biomedical research may in some instances impede the pace of scientific discovery.
The Interdisciplinary Centers portion of the NIH Roadmap is attempting to solve this problem with a number of initiatives that involve training, supplements to existing awards, and establishing interdisciplinary research centers. Initially, 21 Exploratory Centers for Interdisciplinary research were funded (http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/interdisciplinary/exploratorycenters/). At this meeting, the PIs for the funded centers, along with other experts, will describe their attempts to build teams of investigators from different disciplines. This is a difficult process that in many of the Exploratory Centers began with efforts to develop a common language. Language building was usually followed by pilot projects that were designed to allow the team to apply their new language and tools to a biological problem. The speakers will describe successes as well as continuing challenges
The final part of this meeting will look to the future of the program. In late April, 2006 applications for the second round of this program will be due. This round that will fund large consortia to conduct interdisciplinary research, and will be open to all applicants. A technical assistance workshop will be held to answer questions from potential applicants.
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