The Possibilities and Pitfalls of Interdisciplinary Research: Interview With Susan Robertson

Susan Robertson, a sociologist of education at the University of Cambridge and the 2024 President of the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES), has extensive experience in multidisciplinary research. In 2022, Associate Professor Dan Zhang from East China Normal University collaborated with Professor Robertson at Cambridge on a key project titled “Research on Governance Mechanisms to Promote Interdisciplinary Research.” This collaboration prompted critical reflections on the urgency and challenges of interdisciplinary research in the current academic landscape. Despite institutional efforts in China to advance interdisciplinary approaches, significant challenges remain in practice. In response, we have invited Professors Zhang and Robertson to share their insights on the opportunities and challenges of interdisciplinary research, offering valuable perspectives for its development. We hope this dialogue will provide inspiration and guidance for the academic community.