The College of Science at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) organized the first scientific dialogue session for academic year 2017-2018. It was on the significance of interdisciplinary research in science and technology. The session was attended by Professor Ahmed Murad, Dean of the College of Science; Dr. Mohammed Salim, Head of the Mathematics Department; Dr. Khalid Saleh, Head of the Geology Department, and a number of faculty.

Professor Murad explained that the college’s previous scientific dialogues had aimed to shed light on significant issues related to the UAE’s policies that raise awareness of such issues. These dialogues serve as a platform to create a constructive dialogue to offer recommendations to the local scientific community. He also stressed that interdisciplinary research is invaluable in scientific research, as it views these challenges from different angles in order to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. Acting upon such research, often from a combination of scientific disciplines, is essential for future planning.

The dialogue participants emphasized that rapid development was due to the interdisciplinary approach. Interdisciplinary research is capable of coming up with radical solutions many challenges. Advanced technology also helps to shed light on scientific issues and eases communication between researchers. Faculty pointed out that the College of Science has made it easier for them to achieve their research goals. They also highlighted the efficacy of interdisciplinary research in attracting funding from sponsors.

Another point raised was about how to support interdisciplinary research. This included integration, understanding and cooperation between members of research teams and assigning an appropriate role to researchers. It was also stressed that making students aware of the essential role of integrating disciplines opened up more job markets. Finally, challenges faced when conducting interdisciplinary research (collecting data, time limits and limited cooperation from other UAE institutions) were also discussed.