University structures are often designed to offer degree specialization, however siloing knowledge and ways of knowing can hinder the cross-pollination of ideas and innovations.

The University of Minnesota recognizes that a collaborative approach is necessary to address the complex challenges of our time surrounding climate research and communication. The establishment of specific Twin Cities campus entities like the Institute for Advanced Study, the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, and the Institute on the Environment creates intentional platforms for interdisciplinary work.

Within these spaces, scholars, researchers, artists, community members, students and others converge with their varying perspectives and methodologies to tackle the multifaceted problems facing our planet and people. Collaborative work and relationship building is sparked through accessible grant funding, interdisciplinary teaching, and community driven projects.

Join Dr. Amelious N. Whyte, Jr., Interim Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota; Christine Baeumler, Professor and Chair, Department of Art, University of Minnesota, and IonE Fellow; and Laurie Moberg, Editor of Open Rivers: Rethinking Water, Place & Community, Institute for Advanced Study, and IonE Associate, as they explore the dynamic synergy between creativity and applied research within community engaged scholarship, including:

• the opportunities and gaps surrounding interdisciplinary work,
• best practices and lessons learned to demonstrate the work’s value,
• how teaching approaches have expanded to include this interdisciplinary mindset; 
• And more!