Convergence research explained

Convergence research aims to solve complex problems employing transdisciplinarity.^[1] While academic disciplines are useful for identifying and conveying coherent bodies of knowledge, some problems require collaboration among disciplines, including both enhanced understanding of scientific phenomena as well as resolving social issues. The two defining characteristics of convergence research include: 1) the nature of the problem, and 2) the collaboration among disciplines.

Definition

In 2002, it was published the foundational report "Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Cognitive Science" (Roco et al. 2002 and 2003)^[2] and article "Coherence and Divergence of Megatrends in Science and Engineering" (Roco MC, 2002),^[3] followed by the international report "Convergence of Knowledge, Technology and Society: Beyond Convergence of Nano-Bio- Info-Cognitive Technologies" (Roco et al. 2013)^[4] and "Principles and Methods that Facilitate Convergence" (Roco 2016).^[5]

In 2016, convergence research was identified by the National Science Foundation as one of 10 Big Idea's for future investments.^[6] As defined by NSF, convergence research has two primary characteristics, namely:

• "Research driven by a specific and compelling problem. Convergence research is generally inspired by the need to address a specific challenge or opportunity, whether it arises from deep scientific questions or pressing societal needs.
• Deep integration across disciplines. As experts from different disciplines pursue common research challenges, their knowledge, theories, methods, data, research communities and languages become increasingly intermingled or integrated. New frameworks, paradigms or even disciplines can form sustained interactions across multiple communities."^[7]

National Research Council published a report on "Convergence: Facilitating Transdisciplinary Integration of Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Beyond" in 2014.^[8]

An illustration of implementing convergence principles to the National Nanotechnology Initiative^[9] is described in^[10] in 2013.

An illustration of application of convergence to health, science and engineering research is described in^[11] in 2016.

Examples of convergence research

Biomedicine

Advancing healthcare and promoting wellness to the point of providing personalized medicine will increase health and reduce costs for everyone.^[12] While recognizing the potential benefits of personalized medicine, critics cite the importance of maintaining investments in public health as highlighted by the approaches to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.^[13]

Cyber-physical systems

The internet of things allows all people, machines, and infrastructure to be monitored, maintained, and operated in real-time, everywhere. Because the United States Government is one of the largest user of "things", cybersecurity is critical to any effective system.^[14]

STEMpathy

Jobs that utilize skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to provide care for human welfare through the use of empathy have been described as creating value with "hired hearts".^[15] Thomas Friedman coined the term "STEMpathy" to describe these jobs.^[16]

Sustainability

Beyond recycling, the goal of achieving zero waste means designing a closed loop of the material and energy necessary to operate the built environment. Individuals and organizations, including corporations and governments, increasingly are committing to achieving zero waste.^[17]

Notes and References

1. Kaiser . Jocelyn . 2011-01-11 . MIT Calls for More 'Convergence' in Research . Science . Washington, DC, USA . American Association for the Advancement of Science . 2021-01-10.
2. 2003 . Roco . Mihail C. . Bainbridge . William Sims . Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance . SpringerLink . en . 10.1007/978-94-017-0359-8.
3. Roco MC, Coherence and Divergence of Megatrends in Science and Engineering, Journal of Nanoparticle Research 4, no. 1 (2002): 9-19
4. 2013 . Roco . Mihail C. . Bainbridge . William S. . Tonn . Bruce . Whitesides . George . Convergence of Knowledge, Technology and Society . Science Policy Reports . en . 10.1007/978-3-319-02204-8 . 2213-1965.
5. Book: Handbook of Science and Technology Convergence . 2016 . Springer International Publishing . 978-3-319-07051-3 . Bainbridge . William Sims . Cham . en . 10.1007/978-3-319-07052-0 . Roco . Mihail C..
6. Schwarber . Adria . 2020-10-07 . FY21 Budget Outlook: National Science Foundation . FYI Science Policy News from API . Washington, DC, USA . American Institute of Physics . 2021-01-10.
7. Web site: Convergence Research at NSF. National Science Foundation. 2016.
8. Convergence: Facilitating Transdisciplinary Integration of Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Beyond, National Research Council 2014.
9. National Nanotechnology Initiative portal, www.nano.gov.
10. Roco MC and Bainbridge WS, The New World of Discovery, Invention, and Innovation: Convergence of Knowledge, Technology, and Society. Journal of Nanoparticle Research 15, no. 9 (2013): 1-17
11. Web site: 2016 Report . 2024-02-06 . The Convergence Revolution . en-US.
12. Regalado . Antonio . 2020-04-27 . Hyper-personalized medicine . MIT Technology Review . Boston, MA, USA . Massachusetts Institute of Technology . 2021-01-10.
13. News: Marcus . Amy Dockser . 2020-05-08 . Covid-19 Raises Questions About the Value of Personalized Medicine . Wall Street Journal . New York, NY, USA . 2017-09-02.
14. Web site: Congress Passes The Internet Of Things (IoT) Cybersecurity Improvement Act . JD Supra . 2020-12-15 . 2021-01-10.
15. Book: Seidman, Dov . 2011 . How: Why How We Do Anything Means Everything . Hoboken, NJ . Wiley . 384 . 978-1118106372.
16. Web site: From Hands to Heads to Hearts . The New York Times . 2017-01-04 . 2021-11-19.
17. News: O'Neill . Clarie . 2020-12-29 . New Year's Resolutions for the Planet . New York Times . New York, NY, USA . 2021-01-10.