A New Paradigm to Effectively Achieve Convergence Research: Activation of Multicontext Theory

Effective leadership is achieved by enabling relationships, promoting connection to an overall purpose, and promoting a culture of innovation. This paper provides a solid framework to enable effective STEM leadership through scientific research, specifically enhancing convergence research (CR) efforts. Efforts to grow CR programs as a means of solving persistent scientific challenges have become more prevalent. The conventional approach to CR involves identifying a problem, bringing together researchers, engaging in individual discipline-specific research, and then combining the individual research to create a solution. However, CR is highly complex, requiring longer-term adaptability that may be challenging to achieve with individuated, principal investigator-driven research efforts that are simply merged to achieve collaboration. A new paradigm to enhance CR efforts, thereby promoting STEM leadership, is presented that activates a Multicontext Theory (MCT) framework. MCT provides a balance between discipline specific, task-oriented activities and systemic, process-oriented activities. Examples are presented in this paper for the typical challenges experienced in CR and the use of MCT to improve CR. Activation of MCT will create an environment to address complex, transdisciplinary research and spark systemic changes that are more conducive to CR efforts while also broadening participation and enhancing leadership in STEM research.