[The Charm of Interdisciplinary Studies] Han Qide gives an overview of interdisciplinary studies
Jun 03, 2020
Peking University, June 3, 2020: On May 10, the Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS) at Peking University kicked off “The Charm of Interdisciplinary Studies” lecture series. The first lecture, themed “An Overview of Interdisciplinary Studies”, was given by Han Qide, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, honorary president of the China Association for Science and Technology, dean of the Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies at PKU, and director of the Department of History of Science, Technology and Medicine at PKU. Professor Tang Chao, member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, executive dean of AAIS, presided over the lecture. Notably, the lecture was livestreamed on several online platforms with over 1,500,000 views.
Han Qide
From the perspective of the history of science, Han pointed out that sciences were divided into different fields late, and then there was a need to teach based on different fields. Before the 19th century, people used to divide natural science into just natural philosophy and natural history. In the case of biology, for example, the boundary between different branch disciplines was still equivocal even after the structure of scientific branches had almost completely formed in the 19th century. Han stressed that the interdisciplinary research is a significant way to achieve disruptive innovation. He also further explained this idea by talking about how chemistry promoted pathogenic microbiology and pharmacy, how physics promoted clinical imaging diagnosis and many of his experiences of conducting interdisciplinary research.
Then, Professor Han Qide summarized the efforts PKU had made in promoting interdisciplinary development. During the 20 years of development and exploration, PKU established:
Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS)
10 interdisciplinary research institutes
2 interdisciplinary public platforms
2 key interdisciplinary disciplines of Beijing
the first interdisciplinary innovation group in China
the first interdisciplinary degree branch
the first interdisciplinary Ph.D. station (three in total now)
the first interdisciplinary experimental class for undergraduates
Moreover, Han outlined the significant factors in interdisciplinary research. He pointed out that the success of scientific research depends firstly on the ambition of researchers and secondly on their knowledge structure. He emphasized that authorities should carry out policies in favor of interdisciplinary studies, ensure a good organization and coordination of interdisciplinary studies, and try to form an aspiring atmosphere for the development of interdisciplinary studies. Meanwhile, Han also mentioned that we should work with others on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, exchange experience and promote the concept of interdisciplinary studies.
During the Q&A session, Han answered questions about the study methods of interdisciplinary fields, the promotion and education of interdisciplinary fields, and the prospect of medical robots. He also offered advice to students who are determined to explore interdisciplinary studies, saying that they should lay a solid foundation, choose appropriate research questions, broaden their horizons and be well-versed in their own area of expertise.
Written by: An Xinyu
Edited by: Ma Yaoli
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
